England’s Marlie Packer has been named the World Rugby women’s player of the year. She received the award after leading her team to victory against New Zealand in the final of the WXV 1 competition. Packer, who plays in the back row, was the top try-scorer in women’s test rugby this year with 11 tries. She also captained England to their fifth consecutive women’s Six Nations title earlier this year. The World Rugby chairman, Bill Beaumont, praised Packer and the other nominees for their outstanding performances in women’s rugby this year. Katelyn Vahaakolo from New Zealand was named the Breakthrough Player of the Year, Tyla Nathan-Wong received the Sevens Player of the Year award, and Sofia Stefan from Italy won the Try of the Year award. It has been an incredible year for women’s rugby, with the anticipation of an expanded Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025.