Honourable mentions: Who narrowly missed out on Top 50 2026 selection?

England captain Meg Jones claimed the number one spot on the RugbyPass Top 50 Women’s Rugby Players 2026.

The England captain be beat out competition from across the globe after another outstanding year on the international stage.

The 30-year-old received the accolade at the conclusion of WXV Global Series 2026, which showcased high-quality women’s Test rugby over two months.

With the final rankings confirmed, here are nine players who came close to securing a place in this year’s Top 50…

Julia Omokhuale (Canada)

Julia Omokhuale was a standout performer for Canada as they finished the year with back-to-back victories over England. Still only 25, the prospect of how much further she can develop is an exciting one.

During WXV Global Series 2026, Omokhuale started all of Canada’s fixtures, scored two tries, made seven dominant tackles and completed 84 tackles across the competition.

Her physicality and work rate made her an important part of Canada’s success, and she looks set to remain a key figure for the national side in the years ahead.

Bella Vogel (USA)

Nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Bella Vogel has taken the international game by storm in 2026.

At the end of her first season as an international rugby player, the 19-year-old had already accumulated 10 Test appearances since making her debut in April.

A starter in all 10 matches, the versatile midfielder has quickly established herself as an important part of the USA backline. An excellent place-kicker, Vogel has brought a different dimension to the Eagles’ attacking game and looks to have a hugely promising international career ahead of her.

Maisie Davies (Wales)

It is difficult not to be impressed by Maisie Davies. At just 21, the loosehead prop has already won 21 caps for Wales and established herself as an important member of Sean Lynn’s Test side.

Davies started three of Wales’ four WXV Global Series fixtures, producing consistently impressive performances in the front row. Her all-round game suggests there is plenty more to come, particularly as she prepares to join Exeter Chiefs in Premiership Women’s Rugby, where she will form an exciting loosehead prop partnership with Hope Rogers.

Elinor-Plum King (New Zealand)

Named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Elinor-Plum King has rapidly established herself as a force on the international stage, despite making her debut as recently as August.

Now a regular presence in the Black Ferns’ back row, King has quickly demonstrated the qualities needed to become an important player for New Zealand.

Whitney Hansen appears to have found a hugely exciting talent who could be at the heart of the Black Ferns’ forward pack for much of the next decade.

Pauline Barrat (France)

It was a huge disappointment that Pauline Barrat missed WXV Global Series through a knee injury, particularly after the impression she made during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

The French full-back burst onto the international scene with her powerful running, attacking instincts and ability to beat defenders. Named Women’s Six Nations Breakthrough Player of the Tournament, Barrat was also nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Her performances demonstrated the attacking threat she can bring to France, and her return to fitness will be eagerly anticipated.

Georgie Perris-Redding (USA)

WXV Global Series 2026 provided an opportunity for several USA Women’s Eagles to showcase their abilities, and Georgie Perris-Redding was among those who seized it.

Alongside Bella Vogel, Freda Tafuna and Hope Rogers, the USA co-captain played a significant role in her team’s performances. She scored five tries over the two-month competition, made 83 tackles and gained 100 metres from 59 carries.

Those numbers underline her influence at both ends of the pitch, but her leadership was equally important. At 29, Perris-Redding was a driving force within Jack Hanratty’s side and served as its emotional heartbeat throughout.

Kiki Idowu (Canada)

Few players enjoyed a more impressive breakthrough season than Kiki Idowu. The hugely athletic hooker progressed from promising university player to established Test match performer in 2026, after she made her international debut against Australia in the Pacific Four Series.

She subsequently started all five of Canada’s WXV Global Series 2026 fixtures, including an impressive 80-minute performance in the 26-26 draw against England at Sandy Park.

Now signed with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming PWR season, Idowu has an exciting opportunity to continue her development in one of the world’s leading domestic competitions. Her athleticism and potential make her a player worth keeping a close eye on.

Hannah Botterman (England)

Hannah Botterman’s inclusion in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026 is testament to the impact she has continued to make at the highest level.

The England loosehead prop featured in six Test matches during the year, starting four, and despite of injury ruling her out of the Women’s Six Nations in the spring.

Her physical presence, strength in the set-piece and ability to make an impact around the pitch make her one of England’s most valuable forwards. Although injuries disrupted her international campaign, her quality was never in doubt.

Dorothy Wall (Ireland)

Former basketball player Dorothy Wall was a formidable presence for Ireland throughout 2026. Whether carrying the ball or making her presence felt defensively, the Exeter Chiefs second row consistently imposed herself on opposition forward packs.

Wall was particularly important during WXV Global Series, where injuries to Sam Monaghan and Ruth Campbell meant she had to shoulder additional responsibility as Ireland’s senior lock.

She rose to the challenge, most notably against South Africa, where she stood up to a physical and formidable Springbok Women forward pack. Her athleticism, physicality and leadership made her an important figure for Ireland, rounding off another impressive year at international level.

WHO MADE THE RUGBYPASS TOP 50