Canada’s Sophie de Goede is a finalist for World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year.
The 26-year-old forward from Victoria, who only returned to action in July after being sidelined by knee surgery, is up against England’s Megan Jones and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller.
The Canadian co-captain was also nominated for the award in 2022. Canada captain Alex Tessier was a nominee last year.
Going into Saturday’s final against top-ranked England, de Goede leads the Women’s World Cup in carries, offloads and lineout takes. De Goede, who doubles as goal-kicker, has also scored 55 points for second-ranked Canada.
Miller is also nominated for Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, along with New Zealand teammate Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Fiji’s Josifini Neihamu.
The nominees for both awards were selected by a panel of former players and experts — Fiona Coghlan, Lena Corson, Abby Gustaitis, Shannon Parry, Melodie Robinson, Danielle Waterman and Canadian Heather Moyse.
All the award winners will be announced this weekend at the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium in England.
Canada’s Kevin Rouet is expected to be a contender for Coach of the Year.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 22, 2025
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
