Sophie de Goede was crowned World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in association with HSBC after helping guide Canada to the final of Rugby World Cup 2025 where they were beaten 33-13 by England at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Canada captain crowned Player of the Year after World Cup final at Allianz Stadium
Returns from 13-month ACL injury to lead Canada to first final since 2014
Finishes as tournament’s third-highest points scorer with 61 points
Scores crucial try in semifinal victory over New Zealand

The versatile second-row has been ever-present in a Canadian side that produced a masterclass performance through to their semifinal victory over the Black Ferns, before ultimately falling short at the final hurdle against a brilliant Red Roses team claiming their third title in history.

“It’s a real honour to receive the award,” De Goede said. “I don’t really have the words right now because I’m thinking about the loss. I’m proud of myself for sure, and it’s just been a real privilege to get back to playing with this team.”

The 26-year-old Saracens lock had only returned in July after 13 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Her comeback proved remarkable as she became the cornerstone of Canada’s unexpected run to their first World Cup final since 2014.

Despite being a second-row, De Goede ended Rugby World Cup 2025 as the third-highest points scorer, slotting 20 conversions and two penalties with the boot. She also scored three tries, including one in the barnstorming 34-19 semifinal win against New Zealand in Bristol.

Only two players scored more points than the Canadian’s 61 – Renee Holmes who finished second with 64 points, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee who topped the tournament with 69 points.

Throughout the pool stages, De Goede topped the charts for carries, offloads and lineout takes. She was named Player of the Match twice during Canada’s campaign, including the quarter-final victory over Australia at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.

On being lifted on her teammates’ shoulders after the award announcement, De Goede said: “It just shows the unity and joy and love that the team has for each other. It’s just a privilege for me to get to play with these women and I look forward to continue doing that.”

The award marked De Goede’s second nomination for the honour in a World Cup year. She triumphed over fellow nominees Megan Jones of England and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller, both of whom had outstanding tournaments.
Canada’s journey to the final carried extra significance given their fundraising efforts. Their ‘Mission: Win Rugby World Cup’ campaign sought to raise one million dollars to help them compete with better-funded teams, reaching 95% of the target by the final.

“We have the ability as a team, a nation and a programme to win the World Cup,” De Goede said. “We could have done it today but just didn’t put it out on the field. If we can have greater investment it will only increase the odds heading into Australia in 2029.”

De Goede’s individual honour provided recognition for Canadian rugby on the global stage, confirming her status as one of the world’s premier players and underscoring the impact she has made in leading Canada to its best World Cup finish since 2014.

England head coach John Mitchell has been awarded Coach of the Year for his part in delivering the Red Roses’ third World Cup title in history, and such has been his influence that he is still yet to incur a defeat since arriving at his post two years ago.

• Mitchell guides England to first World Cup triumph since 2014
• Extends winning streak to unprecedented 33 matches
• Maintains perfect record since taking charge two years ago
• England defeat Canada 33-13 in final at Allianz Stadium
• Becomes fifth New Zealander to win World Rugby coaching honour

The 61-year-old New Zealander received the award immediately after England’s 33-13 victory over Canada in front of 81,885 spectators at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, completing a perfect 2025 campaign that included a Six Nations Grand Slam.

“It’s not really so much about me,” Mitchell said after his side’s win. “I’m the old bugger that’s been going for 30 years. You get some and you don’t get some.

“I am so pleased that these girls have realised their potential. This has been a very good team for a long time, but I think they deserve to be termed a great side today. They’re a phenomenal group.”

Mitchell took over from Simon Middleton after the men’s 2023 World Cup, inheriting a team that had reached back-to-back World Cup finals in 2017 and 2022 but lost both to New Zealand. His task was to transform a very good team into world champions.

Under his guidance, England have won all 33 matches since his appointment. The Red Roses secured the 2024 Six Nations with a points difference of +238, followed by the 2025 edition with +270. At this World Cup, England conceded just 45 points while scoring 233 across six matches.

His tactical innovations, particularly the rush defence system, proved decisive throughout the tournament. France managed just three points in the semifinal, while Canada found themselves unable to break through in the final despite their fairytale run.

Mitchell becomes the fifth New Zealander to win the award after Graham Henry (2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011), Sir Steve Hansen (2012, 2013, 2014, 2016), Joe Schmidt (2018) and Wayne Smith (2022). He is also the third women’s coach to receive the honour, following his predecessor Middleton (2021) and Smith (2022).

“There is a lot of swings and roundabouts in this trade,” Mitchell said. “But it is not just me as I couldn’t win this award without my other coaches and staff.”

His coaching career spans three decades, including time as All Blacks head coach from 2001-2003, stints with the Golden Lions in Super Rugby, Wasps in the Premiership, and assistant roles with both the All Blacks and United States.

The decision to recall Megan Jones from sevens proved particularly inspired, with the centre starting 11 of England’s 12 matches in 2025. His rotation policy throughout the year ensured the squad arrived at the World Cup fresh and injury-free.

“John came in and immediately raised standards,” said England captain Marlie Packer. “Nothing was acceptable unless it was excellent. That mentality shift has made the difference. We always believed we could win, but now we knew we would win.”

Mitchell’s appointment has raised the bar for coaching in women’s rugby. The detailed analysis, professional standards and tactical sophistication he brought to the Red Roses has influenced the global game.

Looking ahead, the Rugby Football Union will be keen to retain Mitchell’s services through to the 2029 World Cup in Australia. At 61, he has shown no signs of slowing down and the prospect of building on this success will likely appeal to both parties.

The award caps a remarkable year for Mitchell and England rugby. Having finally delivered the World Cup that had eluded the Red Roses, he has transformed them from nearly-champions into an unstoppable force that has redefined excellence in women’s rugby.

England are world champions once more. Eleven years of heartache, two agonising final defeats, and the weight of a nation’s expectation were finally lifted at a raucous Allianz Stadium as the Red Roses demolished Canada 33-13 to claim their third World Cup title. Before a record crowd of 82,000, John Mitchell’s side delivered when it mattered most, their forward dominance proving too much for Kevin Rouet’s brave underdogs who had dared to dream of completing their crowdfunded fairytale.

Key moments:

5′ – Asia Hogan-Rochester opens scoring after Fabiola Forteza break, Sophie de Goede conversion hits post (Canada 5-0)
8′ – Ellie Kildunne produces brilliant solo try stepping through multiple defenders, Zoe Harrison converts (5-7)
19′ – Amy Cokayne scores from driving maul, Harrison converts (5-14)
26′ – Alex Matthews powers over from close-range scrum, Harrison converts (5-21)
33′ – De Goede kicks penalty (8-21)
50′ – Abbie Ward burrows over from close range, Harrison hits post (8-26)
52′ – Hannah Botterman yellow carded for dangerous tip tackle on Karen Paquin
53′ – Hogan-Rochester finishes slick left-side move for second try, De Goede misses conversion (13-26)
69′ – Matthews barges over for second try, Harrison converts (13-33)

The victory was built on brutal physicality up front, where England’s pack dismantled Canada’s challenge through set-piece supremacy and relentless breakdown work. Alex Matthews scored twice, Sadia Kabeya and Abbie Ward were tireless, whilst Hannah Botterman’s work at the ruck proved crucial despite her second-half yellow card. Behind them, Ellie Kildunne sparkled with individual brilliance, producing a moment of magic that shifted momentum irreversibly in the opening exchanges.

VICTORY AT HOME!!

THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IS OURS 🏆#RedRoses | #RWC2025 pic.twitter.com/o3PrjZHi3y

— Red Roses (@RedRosesRugby) September 27, 2025

Canada, having trained with headphones on during the week to prepare for the hostile atmosphere, appeared unbothered initially. They struck first through Hogan-Rochester after just five minutes, Forteza finding space before feeding the winger to race 15 metres and touch down in the corner. De Goede’s conversion struck the right upright, but the visitors led and the crowd fell momentarily silent.

The advantage lasted barely three minutes. Playing under penalty advantage, Kildunne received the ball in the 12 channel surrounded by defenders with seemingly no escape. What followed epitomised her world-class quality. Stepping inside through two tacklers, the Harlequins full-back accelerated into space before gliding around two more desperate defenders to score under the posts. Harrison’s conversion put England ahead, and the momentum had shifted.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Ellie Kildunne of England races clear to score her team’s first try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

England’s forward power began to tell. Botterman won a crucial turnover as Canada attacked just outside their 22, and the Red Roses’ scrum started to dominate. From a lineout 10 metres out on 19 minutes, Zoe Aldcroft claimed clean possession and England’s driving maul proved unstoppable. Cokayne, positioned at the back, was driven over for her 41st international try. Harrison’s conversion extended the lead to nine points.

Canada refused to capitulate, with De Goede, Karen Paquin and DaLeaka Menin carrying forcefully inside England’s 22. Yet the Red Roses’ defensive brutality forced the visitors backwards before Justine Pelletier’s chip kick was marked by Kildunne. The gulf in physicality was becoming apparent.

England’s third try arrived from their dominant scrum on 26 minutes. The pack drove forward with venom before the ball spilled to Natasha Hunt. The scrum-half darted towards the posts before offloading inside to Matthews, who dived over. Harrison’s conversion made it 21-5, and England appeared in complete control.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Alex Matthews of England scores her team’s third try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The Red Roses thought they had extended their advantage further when Cokayne appeared to score from another driving maul, but Television Match Official Leo Colgan ruled Maud Muir had sealed off Canadian defenders before the maul formed. The try was disallowed for obstruction, offering Canada brief respite.

The visitors finally gained reward when De Goede slotted a penalty from directly in front after England infringed at a ruck 22 metres out, reducing the deficit to 13 points. But England dominated the closing stages of the half, with Botterman winning another crucial turnover before Hunt kicked to touch to end a first period that had promised much for Canada but delivered English superiority.

The second half began with Alex Tessier producing a magnificent 50-22 kick that Hunt couldn’t reach, offering Canada a platform deep in England territory. Yet Abbie Ward stole the lineout throw, and when Emily Tuttosi overthrew the next lineout, Canada’s set-piece frailties were becoming costly.

England struck again on 50 minutes. Matthews drove from the base of a scrum five metres out, and two phases later Ward burrowed low to force herself over the line. Harrison’s conversion struck the post, but at 26-8, England’s grip on the trophy was tightening.

Then came the moment that threatened to alter the narrative. Botterman was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tip tackle on Paquin, lifting the openside beyond the horizontal and dumping her on her shoulder. Canada struck immediately, working the ball slickly left for Hogan-Rochester to score her second try in the corner. De Goede’s conversion drifted wide, but at 13-26 with England down to 14, hope flickered.

Julia Schell burst through a gap soon after, feeding Olivia Apps who regathered her own kick 15 metres out. Canada hammered away through multiple phases in the red zone, their dynamic attack finally finding space. Yet England’s defence refused to yield, holding firm through five minutes of sustained pressure before an error by Forteza gifted them release.

The moment proved decisive. On 66 minutes, with Canada feeding a scrum, England demolished their opponents with a humiliating eight-woman shove that splintered the scrum and Canadian souls alike. The penalty was awarded for angling in, and Harrison found touch on halfway. It was a devastating statement from a pack that had dominated throughout.

Three minutes later, the trophy was secured. Kildunne launched a high kick that an exhausted De Goede fumbled forward in her own 22. England pounced, and Matthews barged low between two defenders to score her second try. Harrison’s conversion made it 33-13, and the Red Roses faithful erupted in celebration.

Canada tried gamely to create something in the closing stages, working through 14 phases around halfway, but England’s defence held firm. When the final whistle sounded with Rosie Galligan clutching the ball in a lineout maul, the emotion poured out. Tears fell, smiles rose, and hugs were clasped as England’s players celebrated redemption.

“It’s amazing, thank you to everyone who came here, you are our 16th man on the pitch,” said Player of the Match Kabeya. “We’ve been working really hard. It’s a pinch me moment, but it’s been years in the making and so glad we can pull it off for you today. We did all the right things today.”

For Canada, the disappointment was crushing yet their achievement remarkable. From crowdfunding nearly a third of their World Cup budget to reaching their first final since 2014, Rouet’s semi-professional side had defied expectations throughout. They had proven they belonged on rugby’s grandest stage, even if England’s professionalism and power proved too much.

The statistics told the story of English dominance. Their scrum had provided a platform for superiority, their lineout maul had been virtually unstoppable save for one disallowed score, and their defensive physicality had stifled Canada’s dynamic attack when it threatened most. Kildunne’s moment of individual brilliance aside, England’s tries had come from forward power, a deliberate strategy against opponents who had dazzled with pace and ambition.

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Alex Matthews of England scores her team’s third try during the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Final match between Canada and England at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Mitchell had urged his players to “trust what we’ve built” over three years, and they delivered when it mattered most. The 32-Test winning run had been extended to 33, and the asterisk against their status as the world’s best team had been emphatically removed. After the heartbreak of losing to New Zealand in Auckland three years ago, with seven players from that day starting this final, redemption tasted sweet.

For Alex Matthews and Natasha Hunt, the only two players from England’s 2014 triumph over Canada still in the matchday 23, the circle was complete. They had lifted the trophy 11 years ago in Paris; now they had done so again on home soil before the biggest crowd in women’s rugby history.