Braxton Sorensen-McGee wins Women's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year

After bursting onto the scene earlier this year, Black Ferns winger Braxton Sorensen-McGee has won the prestigious World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, after an impressive season in the black jersey.

The 18-year-old made her debut in May of this year against Australia, and stamped her mark at this month’s Womens’s Rugby World Cup, scoring a leading 11 tries in the competition.

With her sensational form at the World Cup, Sorensen-McGee’s try tally for the Black Ferns is now at 14 from eight Tests, including two on Sunday morning against France in the Bronze Medal Match.

The winger won the award over fellow teammate and superstar loose-forward Jorja Miller, and Fiji midfielder Josifini Neihamu.

 

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New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson was full of praise for the young star, who says it’s a testament to how Sorensen-McGee is as a player.

“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, congratulations to all the World Rugby nominees and winners. We are incredibly proud to have Black Ferns nominated and it acknowledges the immense impact they have had on the women’s game on and off the field,” Robinson said.

“To see Braxton acknowledged this evening, is a testament to the attributes and skills she brings to the team.”

Earlier on Sunday, Sorensen-McGee took advantage of both of her opportunities against France, scoring a try in the 46th and the 60th minute respectively.

The 18-year-old’s first try was outstanding, breaking through the France defensive line when it looked like nothing was on. She sold one defender with a dummy, before stepping the final France defender to go in close to the corner.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee does it again 👏

The #RWC2025 top try scorer lives up to her honour 🇳🇿#NZLvFRA pic.twitter.com/zPZ3IcjX5B

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 27, 2025

Sorensen-McGee didn’t rest on her laurels for long, getting another one fifteen minutes later. This time it was a bit of a simpler finish in the corner, on the back of some nice work down the right hand touchline by Stacey Waaka.