Amid the celebrations, emotions and tears of the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Allianz Stadium on Saturday, Sophie de Goede was announced as World Rugby’s Women’s 15’s Player of the Year 2025.
The Canadian second row succeeds Ellie Kildunne, English fullback, who won the award last year. De Goede has been renowned for years as one of the most impactful players in the world, as a back row that is so versatile that she currently plays at lock position, as well as being her country’s choice kicker - she really is a unique and multifaceted talent on the pitch.
The Sporting News has all you need to know about the new Player of the Year.
Sophie de Goede domestic rugby
De Goede is one of many internationals who play within the English domestic league, the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR).
De Goede has played within the league since she moved to London in 2020, representing Saracens from the very beginning.
During her time at Sarries, where she is currently captain, she has earnt various accolades. Although she did not have a major presence in the recent season, being primarily concerned with returning from injury, she earnt Player of the Match in Saracen’s historic win against the Loughborough Lightnings in 2023.
Sophie de Goede international career
The Canadian launched onto the international stage back in 2019, when she earnt her first cap against the Black Ferns. Since then, she has established herself as an integral part of Canada’s game plan, through her incredible versatility and ability to rack up points.
De Goede is now a veteran Maple Leaf, with 32 caps before the commencement of the World Cup 2025. She is no stranger to the unique pressures of this tournament, having led Canada in the last World Cup in New Zealand in 2022, when they narrowly missed out on a podium, losing to France 36 - 0 in the bronze final.
She has regularly donned the jersey over the years, going to successive Pacific Four series and featuring in Canada’s historic test against South Africa where they thrashed the 66 -7.
Although she earnt selection for the Canadian Olympic 7s side that went on to win silver at Paris 2024, tragedy struck when she tore her ACL just weeks out from the competition, forcing her to withdraw.
It has been a long journey of recovery for De Goede, only being fit to play rugby for the last 3 months - a tale which makes her winning this award all the more meaningful.
Sophie de Goede awards and recognition
World Rugby Player of the Year 2025 is by far the most prestigious award that De Geode has received.
However, her ability has been long acknowledged, as she featured on the award’s shortlist once before in 2022.
That same season, she was also recognized through her inclusion on the World Rugby Dream Team 2022.
Sophie de Goede family and relationship
It is little wonder that Sophie de Goede is such a pinnacle of sporting excellence, given that both of her parents - Stephanie and Hans de Goede - were both international rugby players themselves, both captaining Canada for their respective teams.
The Canadian lock is currently dating fellow rugby player and ex-Saracens teammate, Emma Taylor.
Sophie de Goede’s World Cup journey
Few could have expected the dizzying heights that de Goede has reached during Canada’s campaign, given that before selection she was battling to prove that she was fit to play after just returning from her ACL rehabilitation.
Yet, she has proved again and again why she is the worthy recipient for this award, despite having only played for 3 months this year. Despite being Canada’s choice number four, De Goede scored the third highest number of points this World Cup, only eight points less than leader Braxton Sorensen-McGee, with a huge three tries, 20 conversions and two penalties”.
However, when speaking to the lock, she was incredibly humble, attributing much of her success to her team.
“I’m proud of myself for sure, and it’s just been a real privilege to get back to playing with this team”.
And it’s obvious that her team hold her in just as much respect, as they hoisted her onto their shoulders when her award was announced, despite all still smarting from their recent loss to England in the final.
Rugby news and related content
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- Women’s 15s Player of the year nominees announced