5 Zoe Aldcroft (England)

Captain, grafter, and now a World Cup winner — Zoe Aldcroft led the Red Roses to glory with quiet steel and relentless work-rate.

A former World Player of the Year, Aldcroft might not always make headlines, but her impact is undeniable. She sets the tone defensively, dominates at the lineout, and never shirks the hard carries. Her leadership has been vital to England’s cohesion, and under her captaincy, they played some of their best rugby in years.

4 Jorja Miller (New Zealand)

Still just 21, Jorja Miller is already one of the world’s most feared players. Her breakout year included Olympic gold in sevens at Paris 2024 and a starring role in fifteens this year — until injury cruelly ruled her out of New Zealand’s semi-final loss.

With her electric acceleration, strength through contact, offloading skills, and razor-sharp vision, Miller is a genuine game-changer. She’s already in the conversation for World Player of the Year and, barring injury, could dominate the sport for the next decade.

3 Megan Jones (England)

Megan Jones has become the soul of the Red Roses. Voted PWR Player of the Season, the centre has overcome setbacks — injuries and personal challenges — and come back stronger each time.

At this summer’s World Cup, she played with intelligence, fire, and fearlessness, often stepping up when it mattered most. Jones reads the game better than most, but she also has the footwork and power to carve through any defence. Her story, and her rugby, inspire in equal measure.

2 Ellie Kildunne (England)

Ellie Kildunne plays like she’s always two steps ahead. A dazzling runner with a natural flair for breaking lines, she was central to England’s World Cup win. Her 42 tries in 56 tests is an extraordinary record, and her playmaking from fullback is just as influential.

Whether chipping in behind the line, appearing unexpectedly off a ruck, or finishing in the corner, Kildunne plays instinctively and beautifully. The 2024 World Player of the Year, she continues to be England’s most dangerous back.

1 Sophie de Goede (Canada)

There’s no debate — Sophie de Goede is the best player in the world right now. The Canadian captain was immense at the World Cup, driving her team to their first-ever final and earning Player of the Match awards along the way.

A second-row who kicks goals, makes turnovers, scores tries, and leads with heart — De Goede does it all. Her 20 conversions, 2 penalties, and 3 tries from the tournament say plenty. It is hard to argue against World Rugby, who crowned her as the 2025 Player of the Year.

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