1
Black Ferns co-captain aims to create history as World Rugby reveal award nominees
By Finn Morton
Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant is looking to become the first player to win World Rugby’s prestigious Women’s 15s Player of the Year twice after being nominated for the second year in a row.
World Rugby has unveiled the nominees for three major awards ahead of the final round of matches in the inaugural WXV1 competition in New Zealand.
Demant has been named at fly-half ahead of New Zealand’s clash with England. There are two nominees from the Red Roses in captain Marlie Packer and wing Abby Dow.
France’s try-scoring phenom Gabrielle Vernier is the fourth nominee after claiming Player of the Championship honours after the Women’s Six Nations earlier this year.
“The past year has seen some momentous steps forward for the women’s game with more full-time contracts, record-breaking crowds, the announcement of the first-ever dedicated international release window and, of course, the inaugural WXV competition which has seen the very best women’s teams competing across three levels and in three regions around the globe,” World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said.
“A huge congratulations and thank you to all those nominated today who are not only inspiring fans and players on the field with their tenacious performances and infectious spirit but outside of the game with the incredible work they carry out in their communities.”
New Zealand duo Mererangi Paul and Katelyn Vahaakolo are among the contenders for the Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
Both players debuted in the black jersey against the Wallaroos during the Pacific Four Series. Paul was especially electric that day with the wing crossing for a stunning brace in Redcliffe, Australia.
France’s Carla Arbez and Scotland’s Francesca McGhie have also been put up for the accolade after impressive debut seasons at Test level.
The World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership will be revealed on Saturday along with the three individual award winners.
The nominees:
Women’s 15s Player of the Year
Ruahei Demant (New Zealand)
Abby Dow (England)
Marlie Packer (England)
Gabrielle Vernier (France)
Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
Carla Arbez (France)
Francesca McGhie (Scotland)
Mererangi Paul (New Zealand)
Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand)
Try of the Year
Sofia Stefan (Italy, v Ireland on 15 April)
Charlotte Escudero (France, v Wales on 23 April)
Zoe Aldcroft (England, v France on 29 April)
Mererangi Paul (New Zealand, v Canada on 8 July)
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
3
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
4
Fissler Confidential: One England international in, one out for Bath
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments