England Leads with Six Players in Rugby's 2026 Dream Team
The 2026 World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team features standout players including six from England.
Following Kaipo Olsen-Baker's recognition as the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, the spotlight shifts to the prestigious Dream Team of 2026. Announced recently, this elite lineup showcases the remarkable talents displayed over the past year in women's rugby.
Celebrating Top Performers
On Saturday, Olsen-Baker earned her accolade after her impressive performance in New Zealand's decisive 36-7 triumph against France in Christchurch. The Black Ferns star was not alone in achieving recognition; her teammate Elinor-Plum King was honored as the World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, highlighting a year of incredible progress for New Zealand's squad.
Dominance of England and New Zealand
The 2026 Dream Team features a remarkable mix of talent, with England leading the selection with six players:
- Jess Breach
- Megan Jones
- Zoe Harrison
- Amy Cokayne
- Hannah Botterman
- Maddie Feaunati
This impressive group is complemented by New Zealand, which has five representatives, including Olsen-Baker and fellow Black Ferns Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Sylvia Brunt, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, and Maiakawanakaulani Roos.
In addition to these two powerhouses, Canada’s Sophie de Goede, Da Leaka Menin, and Olivia Apps made the cut. France is represented by Léa Champon, showcasing the international talent in the sport.
The Complete Dream Team Lineup
The finalized 2026 World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team is as follows:
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
- Jess Breach (England)
- Megan Jones (England)
- Sylvia Brunt (New Zealand)
- Ayesha Leti-I’iga (New Zealand)
- Zoe Harrison (England)
- Olivia Apps (Canada)
- Hannah Botterman (England)
- Amy Cokayne (England)
- Da Leaka Menin (Canada)
- Sophie de Goede (Canada)
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos (New Zealand)
- Maddie Feaunati (England)
- Léa Champon (France)
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand)
Honoring Spectacular Moments
The selection process was overseen by a panel of esteemed experts from the rugby community. This group included Fiona Coghlan, Lena Corson, Abby Gustaitis, Heather Moyse, Shannon Parry, Melodie Robinson, and Danielle Waterman.
Fans also had a chance to participate in the excitement. The Try of the Year was awarded to Pauline Bourdon Sansus for her stunning effort against England during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Her try topped entries from competitors, including Olivia Apps and Léa Champon, demonstrating the high quality of the sport’s matches this year.
Brett Robinson, the World Rugby Chair, extended his congratulations, stating, “These awards recognize the exceptional skill, creativity, and outstanding performances we have seen throughout 2026. They provide a fitting way to celebrate the players who delivered memorable moments on the international stage.”
With the conclusion of the international window for 2026, it’s clear there is ample reason to celebrate the thriving landscape of women’s rugby and its fantastic athletes.