Five Black Ferns named in World Rugby Dream Team
Five Black Ferns have been named in the World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026, rounding out a weekend in which Kaipo Olsen-Baker was named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year and Elinor-Plum King took out Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Olsen-Baker is joined in the side by lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, wing Ayesha Leti-I'iga, midfielder Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt and fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee.
New Zealand's five selections are second only to England, who have six, with Canada (three) and France (one) completing the team.
The Dream Team was chosen by an expert panel of Fiona Coghlan (Ireland), Lena Corson (France), Abby Gustaitis (USA), Heather Moyse (Canada), Shannon Parry (Australia), Melodie Robinson (New Zealand) and Danielle Waterman (England), recognising the standout performers of the 2026 international season.
World Rugby Women's 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026:
- Hannah Botterman (England)
- Amy Cokayne (England)
- DaLeaka Menin (Canada)
- Sophie de Goede (Canada)
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos (New Zealand)
- Maddie Feaunati (England)
- Léa Champon (France)
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand)
- Olivia Apps (Canada)
- Zoe Harrison (England)
- Ayesha Leti-I'iga (New Zealand)
- Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand)
- Megan Jones (England)
- Jess Breach (England)
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
Try of the Year
France halfback Pauline Bourdon Sansus has won the International Rugby Players' Association (IRPA) Women's 15s Try of the Year 2026, decided by a global fan vote.
Her try came against England in the Guinness Women's Six Nations title decider on 17 May 2026, beating a shortlist that included Olivia Apps, Abi Burton and Léa Champon.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: "From established stars to exciting emerging talents, this year's award winners reflect the incredible depth and ambition of the women's game."
The announcements close out the 2026 women's international window. World Rugby's men's awards will be announced in the final week of November during the Nations Championship.
