5 Last Rugby Players to be Nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year - Ellie Kildunne makes 2025 short-list

Kildunne has become a sensation that has steadily transcended women's rugby with her star-power. The flying fullback is an iconic role model of the Red Roses back-line, with a tremendous following of fans both young and old. Kildunne is a trailblazer of the Women's game, and after being named 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year, and being pivotal to England's World Cup success, the West Yorkshire native is eyeing up another trophy to close out a breathtaking calendar year.

With Kildunne nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year Award, she goes up against the likes of darts sensation Luke Littler, golf icon Rory McIlroy and formula one legend Lando Norris in short-list. In this article, we are taking a stroll back down memory lane of rugby's contributions to this heralded trophy, by looking back upon the last five rugby players to have been short-listed, or even win an award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year night.

A quick honourable mention first for Wigan Warriors rugby league, who collected the Team of the Year accolade in 2024 following a historic quadruple-winning season. However, as we are only looking at individual awards for this list, they don't make the criteria. Onwards to the recap:

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter was a pivotal figure in the All Blacks’ 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph, with a campaign that earned him the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. Carter’s efforts culminated in the final against Australia, where he scored 19 points in a 34-17 win, helping the All Blacks secure back-to-back World Cup titles after 2011.

Despite doubts about his fitness following previous injuries, Carter’s precision kicking and game management under pressure reminded the world why he is regarded as one of the greatest fly-halves of all time. His composure, vision, and execution in critical moments earned him a third World Rugby Player of the Year award, cementing his legendary status.

The public vote reflected widespread admiration for Carter’s skill, professionalism, and contributions to one of the sport’s most dominant sides. Winning SPOTY was a recognition of not just one remarkable match, but a career-defining season that captured the imagination of rugby fans across the UK and beyond.

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield finished second to Andy Murray in the 2015 SPOTY voting, but his nomination marked a historic moment for rugby league. That year, Sinfield captained Leeds to an unprecedented treble: the Super League, Challenge Cup, and League Leaders’ Shield, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s finest leaders.

A one-club man for nearly two decades, Sinfield became Leeds’ all-time top points scorer, revered for his loyalty, humility, and leadership. The public clearly agreed, with Sinfield securing 28% of the vote despite Murray ultimately taking the prize.

His nomination recognised not only his on-field exploits but also the character and professionalism he displayed throughout his career. In the years following, Sinfield’s dedication extended beyond the pitch with remarkable charity efforts, including back-to-back marathons to raise funds for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation and working alongside his lifelong friend, the late, great Rob Burrow.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny earned his SPOTY nod in 2013 following a phenomenal year for both Wales and the British & Irish Lions. Halfpenny was instrumental as Wales retained the Six Nations Championship, topping the points charts with 74 points and claiming Player of the Tournament.

That summer, he starred on the Lions tour to Australia, earning 'Man of the Series' honours after scoring 21 points in the deciding Sydney Test and a record 49 points across the series, surpassing Neil Jenkins’ record. His composure under pressure, fearless play, and kicking accuracy captured global attention and earned him a spot on the IRB World Player of the Year shortlist.

Halfpenny’s SPOTY nomination recognised a player who combined skill, consistency, and poise, representing both Wales and the Lions with distinction. Though he finished runner-up to Andy Murray, his year remains one of the finest individual campaigns by a northern hemisphere rugby player in the modern era.

England legends Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson were both recognised in 2003 following England’s historic Rugby World Cup victory in Australia. Wilkinson, England’s fly-half, scored 15 points in the final, including the unforgettable last-minute drop goal in extra time to secure a 20-17 win over the Wallabies. He also earned the IRB Player of the Year award that same year.

Captain Martin Johnson led the team with authority, becoming the first northern hemisphere skipper to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. Their contributions, alongside a Grand Slam-winning England side, earned Wilkinson the SPOTY award, the first for a rugby union player, with Johnson finishing runner-up.

That year also saw the England squad recognised collectively, with the team winning BBC Team of the Year and coach Clive Woodward claiming BBC Coach of the Year, reflecting the unparalleled impact they had on English rugby.

At just 20 years old, Jonah Lomu became rugby’s first global superstar during the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, earning him the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. Lomu’s combination of size, speed, and power transformed the wing position, most famously when he scored four tries in the semi-final against England, bulldozing through the defense and leaving fans in awe.

Although New Zealand lost the final to South Africa, Lomu’s performances captivated the world and redefined the sport, heralding the professional era of rugby. His SPOTY award reflected not just his dominance on the field but also the cultural impact he had, inspiring a generation and becoming a household name worldwide.