The World Rugby Awards will be held on Sunday, November 24th in Monaco at the Salle des Etoiles. The awards recognize the sport’s most outstanding players on and off the field. Monaco will host the awards for the fourth time, serving as a celebration of the sport and its hosts, recognizing their role as a nurturing home and steadfast supporter of the sport’s growth.
The Nominees
The Women’s Rugby Award nominees are categorized into six distinct groups as follows:
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
This award recognizes first-time rugby players who had a great impact on their national teams, while on international duty: Nominees are Caitlyn Halse (Australia), Maddie Feaunati (England), Erin King (Ireland) and Hannah King (New Zealand).
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
This award honors the top-performing athletes at some of the most challenging rugby 15s tournaments this year, including the Olympics, World Rugby Cup, and HSBC SVNS series. The nominees are Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France), Ellie Kildunne (Egland), Alex Matthews (England), and Alex Tessier (Canada).
International Rugby Players Women’s Try of the Year
This award honors the most challenging tries of the year, showcasing athletes who have skillfully navigated through defenses, tackles, and executed stunning breakaways to reach the try line. The nominees are Alyssa D’Incà (Italy vs. Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, 20 April), Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand vs. Australia, Pacific Four Series, 25 May), Maya Stewart (Australia vs. Wales, WXV, 28 September) and Marine Ménager (France vs. Canada, WXV, 29 September).
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
This award honors the top-performing athletes in the fast-paced rugby format who have made a significant impact on their national teams. The nominees are Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Maddison Levi (Australia) and Jorja Miller (New Zealand).
The two award categories that will be announced during the award ceremony include the: World Rugby Women’s Sevens Dream Team of the Year in partnership with HSBC and World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.
2023 Award Winners
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year: Marlie Parker from England.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Katelyn Vaha’akolo from New Zealand.
International Rugby Players Women’s Try of the Year: Sofia Stefan from Italy (vs. England on 15th April 2023).
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC: Tyla Nathan-Wong from New Zealand.
Impact of the Awards
The World Rugby Awards, established in 2001, honor rugby players who have demonstrated indomitable passion, growth, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. Initially known as the International Rugby Board Awards, their mission has always been to recognize excellence in the sport.
Originally categories recognizing women’s efforts in the sport were limited to only IRB International Women’s Player of the Year. Twenty-three years later down the road, the awards have grown to recognize more of women’s accomplishments in the sport. This continues to drive the growth of world-class rugby competition among women’s teams globally in striving to reach the pinnacle of recognition in the sport.
