Megan Jones nominated for Women's 15s Player of the Year for second year running

Red Roses captain Megan Jones has been nominated for Women’s 15s Player of the Year for a second year running by World Rugby.

Last year, the England and Trailfinders Women centre was pipped to the award by Canada’s Sophie De Goede. Having taken on the captaincy this year, with Zoe Stratford away becoming a new mum, Jones led the Red Roses to an eighth Guinness Women’s Six Nations title in a row.

She is nominated alongside international teammate Zoe Harrison, who has been a leading performer for John Mitchell’s side in 2026. Canada prop DaLeaka Menin – who has received two WXV Global Series Player of the Week awards this autumn – is also nominated, as is Black Ferns No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker after a formative year under Whitney Hansen.

It is the 25th edition of the World Rugby Awards, which celebrate achievements at the highest level of rugby.

Supporters can vote online from Monday 26 October until Wednesday 28 October 2026. On Monday 2 November, the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year will be unveiled.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2026 nominees

• Zoe Harrison (England)
• Megan Jones (England)
• DaLeaka Menin (Canada)
• Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand)

This year, players from France, New Zealand, Australia and the USA have been nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Since making their debuts, Pauline Barrat, Elinor-Plum King, Amelia Whitaker and Bella Vogel have all established themselves as core players for their nations.

Barrat was named Women’s Six Nations Breakthrough Player of the Tournament, while both King and Whitaker have made try-scoring starts to their Test rugby careers. Vogel, 19, is currently at the heart of the Eagles’ first five-match winning streak in two decades.

In addition to the final shortlists, Ireland hooker Cliodhna Moloney MacDonald, Black Ferns tighthead prop Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and New Zealand flanker Elinor-Plum King all received special commendations for their efforts this calendar year.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year 2026 nominees

• Pauline Barrat (France)
• Elinor-Plum King (New Zealand)
• Amelia Whitaker (Australia)
• Bella Vogel (USA)

International Rugby Players Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026 nominees

• Olivia Apps – England v Canada, WXV Global Series, 19 September
• Pauline Bourdon Sansus – France v England, Women’s Six Nations, 17 May
• Abi Burton – England v Australia, WXV Global Series, 12 September
• Léa Champon – France v Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, 9 May

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “The quality of this year’s nominees is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication and ambition driving women’s rugby forward. From established international stars to exciting emerging players, each has made an outstanding contribution to the game in 2026.

“As women’s rugby continues to grow and reach new audiences around the world, it is important that we recognise the players whose performances inspire fans and the next generation. I congratulate all our nominees on their achievements and look forward to celebrating the very best of our sport through this year’s awards.”