England Captain Meg Jones took first place in the tournament RugbyPass The 50 best female rugby players in 2026.
The England captain beat competition from around the world after another outstanding year on the international stage.
The 30-year-old got the nod at the end WXV Global Series 2026, which showcased high-quality women’s Test rugby over two months.
With the final rankings confirmed, here are the nine players who came close to securing a spot in this year’s Top 50…
Julia Omokhuale (Canada)
Julia Omokhuale was an outstanding performer Canada as they ended the year with back-to-back wins over England. Still only 25 years old, the prospect of how much further he can develop is exciting.
During the WXV Global Series 2026, Omokhuale started every game in Canada, scored two tries, made seven dominant tackles and completed 84 tackles across the competition.
Her physicality and work rate have made her an important part of Canada’s success, and she looks set to remain a key figure for the national team for years to come.
Bella Vogel (USA)
Nominated for World Rugby 15s Player of the Year, Bella Vogel won the 2026 international.
At the end of her first season as an international rugby player, the 19-year-old has already made 10 Test appearances since making her debut in April.
A starter in all 10 matches, the versatile midfielder quickly established herself as an important part USA backline. An excellent player, Vogel has brought another dimension to the Eagles’ attacking play and looks set to have a promising international career ahead of her.
Maisie Davies (Wales)
It’s hard not to be impressed by Maisie Davies. At just 21, the loosehead prop has already won 21 caps for Wales and established herself as an important member of Sean Lynn’s Test side.
Davies started three of Wales’ four WXV Global Series matches, producing consistently impressive performances in the front row. Her all-round game suggests there is much more to come, especially as she prepares to join Exeter Chiefs in Premiership Women’s Rugby, where she will form an exciting loose partnership with Hope Rogers.
Elinor-Plum King (New Zealand)
Named the Under-15s Women’s Rugby Player of the Year, Elinor-Plum King has quickly established herself as a force on the international stage, despite only making her debut in August.
Now a regular presence in the Black Ferns back row, King has quickly shown the qualities needed to become an important player for New Zealand.
Whitney Hansen appears to have found a hugely exciting talent who could be at the heart of the Black Ferns’ forward pack for much of the next decade.
Pauline Barrat (France)
It was a big disappointment that Pauline Barrat missed the WXV Global Series with a knee injury, especially after the impression she made during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
The French full-back burst onto the international scene with his powerful runs, attacking instincts and ability to beat defenders. Named female Six Nations Breakthrough player of the tournament, Barrat was also nominated for the World Rugby Under-15 Player of the Year. Her performances have shown the attacking threat she can bring to France and her return to fitness will be eagerly awaited.
Georgie Perris-Redding (USA)
The WXV Global Series 2026 provided an opportunity for several American female Eagles to showcase their abilities, and Georgie Perris-Redding was among those who took advantage.
Along with Bella Vogel, Freda Tafuna and Hope Rogers, the USA co-captain played a significant role in his team’s performances. She scored five tries during the two-month competition, made 83 attempts and gained 100 meters from 59 carries.
Those numbers highlight her impact on both ends of the court, but her leadership was just as important. At 29, Perris-Redding was the driving force behind Jack Hanratty’s side and served as his emotional heartbeat.
Kiki Idow (Canada)
Few players have enjoyed a more impressive season than Kiki Idowu. The ultra-athletic whore has progressed from a promising university player to an established Test match performer in 2026 after making her international debut against Australia in the Pacific Four series.
She went on to start all five of Canada’s WXV Global Series 2026 matches, including an impressive 80-minute performance in a 26-26 draw against England at Sandy Park.
Now signed with Loughborough Lightning for the upcoming PWR season, Idowu has an exciting opportunity to continue his development in one of the world’s leading domestic competitions. Her athleticism and potential make her a player to watch.
Hannah Botterman (England)
Hannah Botterman’s inclusion in the 2026 Women’s Rugby World Under-15 Dream Team is testament to the impact she has continued to make at the highest level.
The England loosehead prop featured in six Test matches during the year, starting four, and despite injury ruling her out of the Women’s Six Nations in the spring.
Her physical presence, strength in the line-up and ability to influence the pitch make her one of England’s most valuable strikers. Although injuries disrupted her international campaign, her quality was never in question.
Dorothy Wall (Ireland)
Former basketball player Dorothy Wall was a big presence Ireland throughout 2026. Whether carrying the ball or making its presence felt defensively, Exeter Chiefs’ second row consistently imposed itself on opposition forwards.
Wall was particularly important during the WXV Global Series, where injuries to Sam Monaghan and Ruth Campbell meant she had to take on extra responsibility as Ireland’s senior lock.
She rose to the challenge, especially against South Africa, where she went up against a physical and fearsome Springbok Women. Her athleticism, physicality and leadership made her an important figure for Ireland, rounding off another impressive year at international level.
