World Rugby announce Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year nominees

Emma Griffiths

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World Rugby announce Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year nominees image

Alex Davidson - World Rugby

At the same time of announcing their shortlist for the Women’s 15s Player of the Year, World Rugby have also released their list for the Breakthrough Player fo the Year - an equally presitigious award that focuses on those athletes early in their career who are sure to go on to shape and influence the sport significantly.

Especially given the rapid growth of the sport and the influence of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the moment, this award holds particular value. Last year’s winner, Erin King from the Irish team, was indicative of this as she immediately made waves in the 15s game after transitioning form sevens after the Paris Olympics.

Who are nominated for Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year?

Jorja Miller

Jorja Miller is the only name to span two categories, featuring in both the Women’s 15s Player of the Year and Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. At only 21 years old, she has been credited as a once-in-a-generation talent after seamlessly adapting to her move from the Black Ferns Sevens team to their fifteens squad for the World Cup campaign.

Josifini Niehamu

The Pacific nations have a monopoly over this year’s list, as Fijiana Josifini Neihamu also makes the list. The centre is known for her explosive ability to burst through defensive lines, shown in style with her two tries against Wales in their historic World Cup win. Her future seems to be sparkling and incredibly bright, as she debuted back in June with a hattrick against Tonga.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee

The final name to complete the nominees is one that has graced the lips of many this World Cup campaign, as Sorensen-McGee has captured the attention of the rugby community across the world. As the top try scorer of the World Cup thus far, with nine tries - two hat-tricks included - she has topped charts throughout the last three weeks. She is not only a fierce attacker, but a versatile one as well, easily switching between wing and full-back.

When will the Women’s 15s Breakout Player of the Year be announced?

The Breakout Player of the Year, alongside Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Referee of the Year, will all be announced at the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Twickenham on Saturday.

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Emma Griffiths

Emma Griffiths is a freelance journalist who, in combination with completing her degree from the University of Bristol, specialises in covering women’s rugby and football. Specialising in the human, player-first coverage of these rapidly growing sports, her work centres on amplifying attention and female voices through engaging, investigative and comprehensive storytelling drawing attention to the unique and developing landscape of women’s sport.