England and Harlequins full-back Ellie Kildan has been named World Rugby's Female Player of the Year. The 25-year-old was the top try-scorer in last season's Six Nations, when England won the Grand Slam, scoring nine tries to win Champion of the Championship. And her thrilling attacking style has made her a true box-office talent in the women's game.
She is the latest England player to win the award, joining Murray Packer (2023), Zoe Aldcroft (2021), Emily Scarratt (2019) and Sarah Hunter (2016). .
After newsletter promotion
Red Roses head coach John Mitchell told www.englandrugby.com: “I would like to congratulate Ellie on a fantastic year and a well-deserved honour.” “It's truly thrilling to see one of the players on such an outstanding team receive this prestigious award. She is grateful for the incredible support and dedication of her teammates who have contributed to her success this year. , I know Ellie will be the first to praise it.”
South African flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit has won the Men's Player of the Year title for the second time. He became the fourth player to win the award multiple times, following the New Zealand trio of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Beauden Barrett. Ireland captain Caelan Doris was among the candidates, as were Du Toit's Springbok teammates Cheslyn Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth.
Ireland forward Erin King won the Women's Breakthrough Player award just two months after making her 15-a-side Test debut. King, 21, was also a member of the Irish sevens squad that competed at the Paris Olympics. Kildan, du Toit and King were recognized at World Rugby's annual awards ceremony in Monaco this year.
