Braxton Sorensen-McGee of New Zealand Black Frens. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Young Black Ferns star Braxton Sorensen-McGee has been named World Rugby Women's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
The award was announced following the conclusion of the World Cup at Twickenham.
Canada's Sophie de Goede was named Player of the Year.
De Goede's side was beaten 33-13 by England in the final at Twickenham.
New Zealander John Mitchell, who coaches England, was named Coach of the Year.
Sorensen-McGee burst onto the international stage this year and scored 11 tries during the World Cup tournament, almost twice the number of any other player.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee scores against South Africa, 2025. Photo: www.photosport.nz
The 18-year-old made her Black Ferns debut against Australia in May during the Pacific Four Series and has since scored 14 tries in eight Tests, including back to back hat tricks against Japan and Ireland during the tournament.
She scored twice against France in the Black Ferns 42-26 win in the bronze medal match.
"Pretty unreal," the teenager said. "I'm pretty speechless at the moment. No words can really explain how I feel right now but I feel great."
Sorensen-McGee added seven conversions to her 11 tries to finish Rugby World Cup 2025 as the tournament's top points scorer with 69.
"I actually didn't think that I would be close to that at the beginning of the tournament, but here now I'm grateful for how hard I worked for it," she said.
On being asked what advice she would give to youngsters picking up a rugby ball after watching her light up RWC 2025, Sorensen-McGee said: "Just give it a go. You won't really know how it will go if you don't give it a go. Be confident in yourself and back yourself because other people will back you," she told World Rugby.
Sorensen-McGee edged past fellow teammate Jorja Miller along with Fiji's Josifini Neihamu for the award.
Miller was also up for Player of the Year along with de Goede and Megan Jones of England.
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