Six Red Roses stars named in 2026 World Rugby Team of the Year

Hot on the heels of Kaipo Olsen-Baker’s crowning as World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, World Rugby has confirmed its Dream Team of 2026.

On Saturday, Black Ferns back-row Olsen-Baker was handed her award following New Zealand’s 36-7 victory over France in Christchurch. Her teammate, Elinor-Plum King, was also named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Olsen-Baker, 24, is named in the 2026 Dream Team alongside Black Ferns teammates Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Maiakawanakaulani Roos.

New Zealand’s five players in the Dream Team are surpassed only by England’s six. World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year nominees Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison are included, as are Jess Breach, Maddie Feaunati, Amy Cokayne and Hannah Botterman.

Canada’s Sophie de Goede, Da Leaka Menin and Olivia Apps are also included, while Léa Champon is France’s sole representative.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026

15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
14. Jess Breach (England)
13. Megan Jones (England)
12. Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand)
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (New Zealand)
10. Zoe Harrison (England)
9. Olivia Apps (Canada)
1. Hannah Botterman (England)
2. Amy Cokayne (England)
3. Da Leaka Menin (Canada)
4. Sophie de Goede (Canada)
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (New Zealand)
6. Maddie Feaunati (England)
7. Léa Champon (France)
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand)

The World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026 was selected by an expert panel comprising Fiona Coghlan (Ireland), Lena Corson (France), Abby Gustaitis (USA), Heather Moyse (Canada), Shannon Parry (Australia), Melodie Robinson (New Zealand) and Danielle Waterman (England).

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

Following a global fan vote, Pauline Bourdon Sansus’ try against England in the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations has been named Women’s 15s Try of the Year.

The scrum-half’s effort was voted ahead of tries from Olivia Apps (England v Canada, 19 September), Abi Burton (England v Australia, 12 September) and Léa Champon (France v Scotland, 9 May).

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Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, said: “Congratulations to Pauline on winning Try of the Year and to all 15 players selected in the Dream Team.

“These awards recognise the exceptional skill, creativity and outstanding performances we have seen throughout 2026, and are a fitting way to celebrate the players who have delivered so many memorable moments on the international stage.

“From established stars to exciting emerging talents, this year’s award winners reflect the incredible depth and ambition of the women’s game.

“As we bring the 2026 international window to a close, there is much to celebrate, and I congratulate all those recognised for their outstanding contributions to another fantastic year of women’s rugby.”