Best Women's Rugby Players in the World Right Now (Ranked 10-1)

As new stars emerged and legends solidified their legacies, we take a closer look at the ten players who stand out above the rest.

At 32, Hope Rogers is playing the best rugby of her career. The Eagles veteran has now competed in four consecutive World Cups and is the most-capped U.S. women’s player in history — but 2025 may well have been her finest hour. A powerhouse at loosehead, Rogers led by example in England, carrying with venom and racking up tries from close range. Her consistency, leadership, and hunger to be the best make her an invaluable pillar for the USA, and one of the top front-rowers on the planet.

The former World Rugby Player of the Year was once again a calming force and tactical leader for the Black Ferns at the World Cup. Her ability to control the tempo, read the game several phases ahead, and put teammates in space is elite. Even in a team full of flair, it’s Demant’s brain that often unlocks the brilliance. A true leader, and a joy to watch every time she plays.

Alex Tessier has long been a core figure in Canada's backline, but her performance during this World Cup cycle elevated her to new heights. A sharp-thinking fly-half or centre, Tessier was central to Canada’s run to the 2025 final, guiding play with calm authority. She was a 2024 World Player of the Year nominee — and it’s easy to see why. Whether breaking a line, organising a defence, or calmly slotting a conversion, Tessier is the heartbeat of her side.

France’s Pauline Bourdon-Sansus brings flair, fire, and a touch of unpredictability to the scrum-half role. Despite a disrupted lead-up to the World Cup due to suspension, she returned with a bang — scoring and starring in France’s opening games.

Her quick thinking and sniping runs lit up pool play, earning back-to-back Player of the Match awards. Bourdon-Sansus has all the traits of a world-class No. 9: vision, pace, confidence, and a love for the big stage.

Already a legend, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe added more chapters to her record-breaking story in 2025. This year, she became New Zealand’s top test try scorer — surpassing even Doug Howlett — with 50 tries in just 30 tests.

Her longevity across both sevens and fifteens is remarkable. Even at 34, she remains a nightmare for defenders, combining explosive speed with finishing instincts honed over a decade. Woodman-Wickliffe is a once-in-a-generation athlete who continues to redefine what’s possible in rugby.

Captain, grafter, and now a World Cup winner — Zoe Aldcroft led the Red Roses to glory with quiet steel and relentless work-rate.

A former World Player of the Year, Aldcroft might not always make headlines, but her impact is undeniable. She sets the tone defensively, dominates at the lineout, and never shirks the hard carries. Her leadership has been vital to England’s cohesion, and under her captaincy, they played some of their best rugby in years.

Still just 21, Jorja Miller is already one of the world’s most feared players. Her breakout year included Olympic gold in sevens at Paris 2024 and a starring role in fifteens this year — until injury cruelly ruled her out of New Zealand’s semi-final loss.

With her electric acceleration, strength through contact, offloading skills, and razor-sharp vision, Miller is a genuine game-changer. She’s already in the conversation for World Player of the Year and, barring injury, could dominate the sport for the next decade.

Megan Jones has become the soul of the Red Roses. Voted PWR Player of the Season, the centre has overcome setbacks — injuries and personal challenges — and come back stronger each time.

At this summer’s World Cup, she played with intelligence, fire, and fearlessness, often stepping up when it mattered most. Jones reads the game better than most, but she also has the footwork and power to carve through any defence. Her story, and her rugby, inspire in equal measure.

Ellie Kildunne plays like she’s always two steps ahead. A dazzling runner with a natural flair for breaking lines, she was central to England’s World Cup win. Her 42 tries in 56 tests is an extraordinary record, and her playmaking from fullback is just as influential.

Whether chipping in behind the line, appearing unexpectedly off a ruck, or finishing in the corner, Kildunne plays instinctively and beautifully. The 2024 World Player of the Year, she continues to be England’s most dangerous back.

There’s no debate — Sophie de Goede is the best player in the world right now. The Canadian captain was immense at the World Cup, driving her team to their first-ever final and earning Player of the Match awards along the way.

A second-row who kicks goals, makes turnovers, scores tries, and leads with heart — De Goede does it all. Her 20 conversions, 2 penalties, and 3 tries from the tournament say plenty. It is hard to argue against World Rugby, who crowned her as the 2025 Player of the Year.