2026 has only just started, but rugby fans are already talking. Before the first major Test window, patterns are emerging, careers are peaking and expectations are set. Awards aren’t won in January, but they’re shaped there.
and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
Based on current form, trajectory and context, we take an early look at who could be standing on stage at the World Rugby Awards later this year.
2026 World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)
Given South Africa’s continued dominance on the international stage, it would be no surprise to see another Springbok claim this award. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s 2025 season represented a genuine coming-of-age moment and positioned him firmly among the world’s elite.
At franchise level, he orchestrated matches for the Stormers with remarkable authority, blending attacking invention with mature game management. His consistency and influence were recognised with the URC Player of the Season award.
Internationally, Feinberg-Mngomezulu announced himself in emphatic fashion, most notably with a record-breaking 37-point haul against Argentina in the Rugby Championship — a performance that underlined his composure under pressure and his readiness for Test rugby’s highest level.
Across the year, he demonstrated an exceptional balance of ambition, control, and calm decision-making. Now firmly established at the heart of the Springbok backline, Feinberg-Mngomezulu represents both the present and future of South African rugby. If he continues to lead their attack in 2026 as expected, this accolade may well follow.
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year - Hassiem Pead (South Africa)
Hassiem Pead is a scrum-half built on tempo, energy, and intensity. His rapid service from the base, sharp rugby IQ, and relentless work rate make him a constant nuisance for defences. Equally comfortable sniping around the ruck or distributing with precision, Pead brings structure and momentum to every attacking phase.
He was one of the standout performers at the World Rugby U20 Championship, where his control and competitiveness marked him as a player of genuine international potential. However, limited opportunities at franchise level with the Lions have slightly slowed his upward trajectory.
A move to a new environment could be the catalyst he needs. With all the core attributes of a top-level scrum-half, 2026 could be the year Pead finally translates promise into global recognition.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year - Ellie Kildunne (England)
In a non–World Cup year, the Women’s Six Nations is likely to be the defining battleground for this award, placing even greater emphasis on consistency and impact at that level. Few players are better equipped to dominate that stage than Ellie Kildunne.
Already crowned World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2024, Kildunne further enhanced her legacy by winning the 2025 Rugby World Cup, scoring the opening try in the final for England. Her influence extended beyond rugby, as she was also named runner-up in the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Renowned for her electric pace, elusive running lines, and fiercely competitive mindset, Kildunne is a versatile threat across the back three and centre. She combines attacking brilliance with a clear passion for inspiring teammates and fans alike.
If she again sets the standard during the Six Nations, she will be a leading contender to reclaim this honour in 2026.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year - Millie David (England)
Millie David’s rise at domestic level has been nothing short of prolific. During the previous season, she scored her 17th try of the campaign in the PWR semi-final, finishing as the joint-leading try-scorer alongside Saracens’ May Campbell. That form earned her the PWR Breakthrough Player of the Season award.
David carried that momentum into the 2025–26 season with Bristol, including a remarkable four-try performance against Leicester Tigers Women in November 2025.
Blessed with blistering speed, excellent game awareness, and a natural finishing instinct, she has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league.
While she has yet to fully showcase her abilities on the international stage, that opportunity may arrive in 2026. Should she make the step up, David has the talent and impact to be recognised globally — even if it feels as though her “breakthrough” has already begun.
World Rugby Coach of the Year - Rassie Erasmus (South Africa)
Rassie Erasmus remains the defining coaching figure of the modern era. Having guided South Africa to Rugby World Cup triumphs in both 2019 and 2023, his influence on the game shows no sign of waning.
A former Springbok with 36 caps between 1997 and 2001, Erasmus transitioned seamlessly into coaching excellence. Appointed Director of Rugby for South Africa in 2017, he later combined that role with head coach duties, leading the Springboks to their 2019 World Cup success and earning World Rugby Coach of the Year honours in the process.
Innovations such as the famed “Bomb Squad” have reshaped how teams manage physicality and squad depth, with coaches worldwide attempting to replicate his methods.
As South Africa continue to set the benchmark tactically and mentally, Erasmus remains rugby’s most influential strategist — and a perennial favourite for this award.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Ellie Kildunne Confirms Split From Boyfriend and Reveals Who She’s Dating Now
- The five biggest breakout talents of 2025 (Ranked 5-1)
- International back row signs new contract at Northampton Saints
- Dan Carter Reveals the Three Stadiums With the Best Atmosphere
- Newcastle Red Bulls Confirm Signing of 6’5″ International
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
Loading
