England captain Marlie Packer named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year after memorable 2023

Marlie Packer has been named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year after captaining England to the WXV1 championship title.

The Red Roses overcame world champions New Zealand with a superb 33-12 win in Auckland to preserve their world No. 1 ranking, after early tries from Alex Matthews, Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern set them on the way to a memorable victory.

Parker’s individual accolade capped off a wonderful night for England, as World Rugby director of women’s rugby Sally Horrox presented her with the award.

The England skipper scored 11 tries this calendar year – more than anyone else in women’s test rugby, despite predominantly playing in the back row.

Elsewhere, New Zealand’s Katelyn Vaha'akolo won Breakthrough Player of the Year award following a successful move from rugby league to rugby union in 2022.

Meanwhile, fans voted for Sofia Stefan to win Women’s Try of the Year after choosing the Italian from a list of four nominees.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said in a press release: “This is the biggest ever year of women’s international test matches and a dawn of a new era on the road to an expanded Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025. We have witnessed huge performances during Six Nations, Pacific Four Series and most recently, WXV where the best of the best have shone on the biggest stage.

“All our nominees have taken the game by storm this year, inspiring a new generation of girls and boys to follow rugby. A huge congratulations and thanks to all those honoured tonight.”

New Zealand’s Tyla Nathan-Wong won World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year, while the Dream Team of the Year was also announced as follows:

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