Team of the Tournament: Women's Rugby World Cup 2025

Having fallen to the Black Ferns of New Zealand in the 2017 and 2022 Women's Rugby World Cup Finals, England finally have their hands back on the trophy for the first time since 2014. Just like the triumph from 11 years ago, England dispatched a gutsy Canadian side to stand high atop of rugby's Everest.

As England have now been crowned World Champions, the argument as to whether this is the greatest Women's rugby team of all time comes into the conversation. England have been the number one ranked nation since November 2020, and since the 2022 Final defeat to New Zealand, the Red Roses had won each and every one of their following 33 Test matches in a row, now including the 2025 Final. Whilst that debate remains unsettled for now, there's no denying that the following players all lit up the tournament.

In this article, we follow our usual Team of the Week format, whilst reflecting back across the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup as a whole. It's time for RUCK's Team of the Tournament, as an unforgettable six weeks of women's rugby action has come to a close upon the international stage.

Ellie Kildunne’s 2025 World Cup was a masterclass in resilience. Returning from the concussion sustained against Australia, she picked up exactly where she left off, scoring two tries in the semi-final versus France before sealing a world-class solo score in the final against Canada. Across the tournament, she notched five tries, including a brace in England’s opening match against the USA, where she could have had a hat-trick but instead created two assists, highlighting her unselfish brilliance.

Kildunne carried 524 metres overall, the second-highest of the tournament, showcasing her ability to gain ground with speed and purpose. Kildunne footwork, vision, and sheer audacity electrified fans, combining instinctive counter-attacks with clinical finishing. Every touch of the ball seemed to shift the momentum, and her flair made her an unstoppable threat in open space. Honourable mention goes to Renee Holmes, who racked up 64 points for New Zealand, proving formidable at fullback, though Kildunne’s tournament-defining moments secured her place in the spotlight.

Desiree Miller lit up the World Cup for the Wallaroos with an electrifying combination of power and pace. The flying winger bagged a hat-trick on her RWC debut against Samoa, a statement performance that set the tone for her tournament. Miller finished joint second in try-scoring alongside Canada’s Julia Schell and England’s Jess Breach, remarkable given Australia’s quarter-final exit.

Against the USA, she scored twice in a dramatic 24-24 draw, then added another try in the quarter-final defeat to eventual silver medallists Canada, proving she could deliver even under pressure. Miller’s game was defined by high-intensity running, clever support lines, and finishing instinct that kept defenders guessing. Though Australia fell short of the semis, Miller’s brilliance made her the brightest star in gold, showcasing talent that will define the Wallaroos’ next era.

Honourable mentions include Scotland’s Francesca McGhie and Canada’s Asia Hogan-Rochester, both of whom dazzled on the wings.

Megan Jones was a tournament-long phenomenon, a dynamic centre whose impact transcended the score sheet. A World Rugby Women’s XVs Player of the Year nominee, Jones started all six matches, scoring three tries, two against Samoa in the Pools and one in the semi-final against France.

Jones' 44 passes and 49 tackles reflected an extraordinary work rate, linking seamlessly with both the forwards and the backline. The midfield superstar carried with power, broke lines with audacious flair, and combined instinctive rugby intelligence with show-stopping individual skill. The England fans adored her, captivated by her energy, confidence, and charismatic swagger, which only intensified when she commemorated her journey to the final with tattoos alongside Hannah Botterman.

Jones’ performances were about presence, leadership, and turning momentum in England’s favour. Already a breakout star in the mainstream rugby audience, her Trailfinders debut next season is one of the most anticipated moves in English rugby, with fans eager to see the next chapter of the Jones saga.

Aphiwe Ngwevu was at the heart of South Africa’s historic journey to their first ever Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final. The versatile centre or outside back stunned the Black Ferns in the quarter-final with an early try, having already crossed against Brazil in the pool stages.

Ngwevu’s combination of bulldozing carries, clever link play, and crisp passing gave South Africa a cutting edge in attack, while her commitment to defence was to be admired. Ngwevu embodied the belief of a new era in South African women’s rugby, inspiring her teammates with an unrelenting work rate.

The centre's play consistently created space for others and kept fans on the edge of their seats, blending raw power with instinctive rugby intelligence. Ngwevu emerged from the tournament as a fan favourite not only for her own nation but for the global audience, a shining symbol for the Springbok Women.

The teenage phenomenon Braxton Soresen-McGee defined New Zealand’s campaign, earning the World Rugby Breakout Player of the Year accolade. At just 18, she amassed the most metres (550), most points (69), and most tries (11) of the tournament, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Japan and Ireland.

Sorensen-McGee was everpresent across the whitewash, with two tries against Spain, one against Canada in the semi-final, and two in the Bronze Final against France. Soresen-McGee’s combination of blistering pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent positioning made her a constant threat on the wing, with the torch passed on from retirement bound legend Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

Despite New Zealand finishing third, Sorensen-McGee's impact was undeniable, blending youthful exuberance with tactical awareness. Every run showcased power, precision, and poise, cementing her as a generational talent destined to dominate women’s rugby for years to come. The world can hardly wait to see what she does next.

Zoe Harrison orchestrated England’s path to glory from fly-half with poise and precision. Battling internal competition from Holly Aitchison and Helena Rowland, Harrison commanded the No.10 jersey with authority across all six matches. Harrison kicked 42 points, (21 conversions) and distributed the ball expertly to England’s charging forwards and blistering backs.

The Saracen's 88 passes and 26 tackles underlined her dual role as orchestrator and workhorse, linking play seamlessly while keeping defensive duties in check. Harrison’s game combined tactical kicking, sharp vision, and electric creativity, enabling England to dominate territory and tempo. Harrison's leadership on the field was subtle but impactful, guiding her team through high-pressure moments with a calm head. In the final against Canada, every decision Harrison made tilted the field in England’s favour.

Pauline Bourdon-Sansus was France’s linchpin in the backs, orchestrating play with elegance and precision. The halfback scored two tries, including one in the pool stage against Brazil and another in the Bronze Final versus New Zealand, and carried 325 metres, ranking 15th overall.

Bourdon-Sanus guided France to the Bronze Final with astute game management, demonstrating calm under pressure and vision in attack. The nine's ability to create space, exploit gaps, and read opposition lines made her an indispensable component of France’s campaign. Her presence on the field was both commanding and inspiring, ensuring that France remained a potent force and a joy to watch, with Les Bleus' renowned 'jouer' style ever-present throughout the tournament.

Kelsey Clifford’s work at the front of the scrum was nothing short of sensational. With Hannah Botterman sidelined mid-way through the pool stage, Clifford stepped into the loose-head void and not only filled it but thrived. Clifford scored five tries across the tournament; one against Samoa, two against Australia, and another brace versus Scotland, making her seventh-highest try-scorer of the World Cup.

Clifford's work in defence was just as impressive, with 40 tackles anchoring England’s platform. Clifford’s physicality and scrummaging dominance laid the foundation for England’s unstoppable momentum, combining raw strength with remarkable mobility around the park. Her ball-carrying and support play constantly drew defenders and created space for teammates, proving she was more than a placeholder.

While Botterman reclaimed the starting role for the semi-final and final, Clifford’s performances in the earlier rounds helped push England to the summit. Clifford emerged as one of the tournament’s most complete props, blending tenacity, skill, and a fearless rugby brain throughout the campaign.

Amy Cokayne was England’s tireless engine in the pack, the hooker influence radiated across attack and defence. Cokayne crossed the try line four times, against the USA, Scotland, France, and Canada, with a fifth ruled out by the TMO in the final. Cokayne’s defensive work was monumental: An RAF servicewoman, Cokayne was near flawless at the areal set-piece, as the hooker provided a reliable platform for England’s line-out dominance.

Beyond the stats, Cokayne’s presence was magnetic. The no-nonsense front row showcased relentless aggression, carrying, supporting, and linking with the backs in seamless fashion. Cokayne's work rate and intensity were to be admired, as indispensable asset to England’s championship drive.

Linda Djougang was the heartbeat of Ireland’s formidable forward pack, a tight-head prop whose scrummaging power set the tone for every match. Across the tournament, Djougang dominated in the set-piece and carried relentlessly around the field, providing vital go-forward metres for her team.

The prop scored a try in Ireland’s quarter-final defeat to France and made a staggering 151 tackles, demonstrating extraordinary defensive resilience. Djougang also kept the ball alive with 22 passes, showing a deft touch and understanding of back-line support play.

Djougang gave Ireland the platform to reach the quarter-finals, nearly toppling France in a thrilling West Country encounter. Djougang emerged from the tournament as one of Ireland’s standout stars, capable of altering games through sheer determination.

Sophie de Goede was the beating heart of Canada’s march to the World Cup final and a deserved 2025 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. At lock and captain, de Goede led by example, scoring three tries, against Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand, and orchestrating Canada’s play with an enviable mix of power and poise.

A rare sight to witness, the second row slotted 20 conversions and two penalties, totaling 61 points, the third highest tally in the tournament along with her trio of tries. De Goede’s leadership commanded line-outs, guided defensive structures, and dictated tempo, blending intelligence with physicality. Every carry, tackle, and decision showcased her ability to influence momentum and inspire her teammates to believe.

De Goede’s World Cup was an exhibition of total gain-line, tactical brilliance, and leadership, cementing her status as one of the most complete and influential players in women’s rugby today. The Canada skipper gave a brilliant assessment of how her nation must invest more in women's rugby, in a call to arms for her country's government to back the Maple Leaves.

Abbie Ward was a relentless powerhouse in England’s engine room, a lock whose work in attack and defence proved decisive. Ward stole five line-outs against the throw, the best of any player in the tournament as England enjoyed unmatched aerial security. Ward also crossed the try line three times, against Australia in the pool stage, France in the semi-final, and Canada in the final, to deliver when it mattered most.

Ward expressed how she was spurred on by her young daughter, with her 57 tackles constantly putting her body on the line, along with a defensive breakdown work rate and durability that few could match. Ward’s presence in the line-out, maul, and open play provided England with a platform to dominate set-piece exchanges and maintain momentum across matches. Ward's timing, experience and game-management made her an invaluable conduit, underpinning England’s title-winning campaign as a corner-stone of the world's greatest pack.

Sadia Kabeya’s tournament was nothing short of heroic. The Loughborough Lightning star expressed how she was out to inspire black women and girls to get into rugby, and Kabeya wasted no time in doing so. The back row opened the scoring for England with the first try of the tournament, as she crossed over against the USA. Kabeya followed up with a brace versus Australia, before earning Player of the Match honours in the final against Canada.

Across five matches, Kabeya made an astonishing 112 tackles, the highest of any player in the tournament with an unparalleled defensive commitment. Kabeya’s athleticism, breakdown mastery, and ability to link with both forwards and backs made her a constant presence around the ball. The flanker carried relentlessly, disrupted opposition attacks, and provided dynamic support in open play.

Kabeya’s physicality was matched by game intelligence; the back row timed hits, read the play, and made crucial interventions that turned the tide of matches. Kabeya emerged as one of the standout back-row players of the tournament, a true game-changer and championship-winning force. The torch has been passed from former England captain Marlie Packer to Kabeya, who credited her mentor after the Final.

Jorja Miller’s transition from sevens to XVs rugby has been seamless, and her impact on New Zealand’s bronze-winning side was immense. Fresh from winning the World Rugby Sevens Womens' Player of the Year, Miller's impact upon the Black Ferns squad earned her a spot on the short-list for the Women's XVs Player of the Year as well.

A dynamic back-row, Miller scored four tries, with back-to-back braces against Spain and Japan in the pool stages, while also making 54 tackles. Miller’s attacking lines were incisive, her support play intelligent, and her defensive work relentless. The Kiwi's experience and poise from sevens translated into an ability to exploit space, maintain tempo, and create scoring opportunities for teammates. Miller’s ability to combine creativity with brute force made her an unpredictable, exciting presence throughout.

Though New Zealand didn’t reach the final, Miller’s performances provided the foundation for a thrilling bronze medal finish. Honourable mentions are in order for a pair of Red Roses, as England captain Zoe Aldcroft and fellow back-row Morwenna Talling were outstanding all campaign. However, Miller’s seamless blend of flair, work rate, and tactical acumen earned her a rightful place among the tournament’s most complete forwards.

Alex Matthews’ tournament was a testament to perseverance and peak performance when it mattered most. After previous heartbreak in 2017 and 2022, and a bench role in England's 2014’s final triumph, Matthews finally starred on the biggest stage.

Matthews played the full 80 minutes in every match except the heavily rotated pool stage win over Samoa, and her contributions were pivotal in England’s triumph. Matthews crossed for two tries in the final, dominating Canada with powerful ball carries, relentless support play, and precise execution in attack. Matthews even took up the captain's duties as Zoe Aldcroft had a brief injury hiatus in the pool stages, with the armband in safe hands for the win over Australia in Brighton.

Matthews defensive work was ruthless, shutting down threats and turning over possession at crucial moments. Matthews’ experience, intelligence, and physicality allowed her to dictate phases, provide momentum, and inspire teammates. The number eight's tournament embodied grit, skill, and timing, combining the wisdom of a veteran with the fire of a champion.