The 10 best women rugby players shape the sport with their talent, strength, and determination. They’ve brought incredible moments to the game, inspiring fans and players worldwide. From powerful runs to game-changing plays, these athletes stand out on and off the field.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best female rugby players who have made their mark on the sport.
Top 10 Best Women Rugby Players
This article highlights the top ten best female rugby players, who not only excel on the field but also work to encourage more women to join the sport.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
- Date of Birth: July 12, 1991
- Country: New Zealand
- Height: 170 cm
- Weight: 70 kg
One of the best female rugby players in the world, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, has made a huge impact on the sport, both through her talent and the stories that inspire so many.
Portia grew up surrounded by sports, with her father Kawhena and uncle Fred Woodman both playing for the famous “All Blacks.” Her speed was undeniable from a young age—she was winning races against much older girls.
Though ballet was her first love, a rugby coach saw something special in her and invited her to play on a boys’ team. She became the first girl to join Glenfield Rugby Union and Sports Club, paving the way for an incredible career.
Today, Portia is one of the most recognized names in women’s rugby. She dominated in sevens rugby and led New Zealand to World Cup victories in 2017 and 2021.
On top of that, she’s the all-time top try-scorer in Rugby World Cup history—for both men and women. Her legacy in the game is unmatched, and she continues to inspire players around the world.
Sarah Hunter
- Date of Birth: September 19, 1985
- Country: England
- Height: 177 cm
- Weight: 80 kg
Sarah Hunter, one of the best female rugby players, has had an incredible impact on the sport. Born on September 19, 1985, in England, she started playing rugby at just 9 years old with boys at Goathland Primary School.
She began in rugby league but switched to rugby union in 2000, joining Novocastrians RFC. From the start, Sarah stood out for her strength, speed, and natural leadership on the field.
At 18, she joined the England national team and began an amazing journey. In 2014, she helped England win the Rugby World Cup, becoming a champion. Sarah has set records, including being the most-capped England player with 141 caps. Her achievements have earned her honors like the MBE in 2015 and the CBE in 2023.
Jessy Trémoulière
- Date of Birth: July 29, 1992
- Country: France
- Height: 180 cm
- Weight: 73 kg
Jessy Trémoulière started playing rugby as a child and quickly stood out for her skill and speed. At 18, she joined the French national team, helping secure important wins in both XV and sevens rugby.
In 2018, she was named World Rugby Player of the Year. Later, she was recognized as one of the best women’s rugby players and crowned the World’s Player of the Decade. After a successful 12-year career, Jessy chose to leave international rugby to focus on her family’s farm, but her legacy in French rugby will never be forgotten.
Vanessa Cootes
- Date of Birth: July 26, 1969
- Country: New Zealand
- Height: 163 cm
- Weight: 76 kg
Vanessa Cootes grew up in New Zealand, where she discovered her love for rugby at a young age. Her talent stood out early, and she became one of the first women to play rugby at a professional level.
In the 1998 Rugby World Cup, she was a star for the Black Ferns, scoring four tries in the final against the USA. This victory highlighted her career and brought much-needed attention to women’s rugby.
Vanessa’s success inspired many women to follow in her footsteps and helped the sport grow worldwide. Also, you can read more about women’s rugby and how it continues to evolve today.
Emily Scarratt
- Date of Birth: February 8, 1990
- Country: England
- Height: 181 cm
- Weight: 77 kg
Emily Scarratt is known as one of the most famous female rugby players, thanks to her amazing achievements and the impact she’s had on the sport.
She started out playing different sports, including basketball, and even earned a scholarship to study in the USA. But rugby was where her heart truly lay, and she decided to follow that passion.
Emily’s decision paid off as she went on to become one of England’s greatest rugby players. In 2014, she became a World Cup champion, helping England secure the Rugby World Cup title. In 2019, she was named World Rugby Player of the Year.
Scarratt also played a vital role in England’s successes during the 2020 and 2021 Six Nations Grand Slam tournaments. Her influence spans both XV and sevens rugby, making her a standout figure in the sport’s history.
Gill Burns
- Date of Birth: July 12, 1964
- Country: England
- Height: 1.80 m
- Weight: 90 kg
Gill Burns played a major role in shaping women’s rugby from 1988 to 2002. Burns represented England in four Rugby World Cups, including the first-ever women’s tournament in 1991. Also, she is often called one of the strongest female rugby players because of her physical power, endurance, and leadership on the field.
She led her team to victory in the 1994 Rugby World Cup. After retiring, Burns received the MBE in 2005 for her contributions to the sport. In 2014, she entered the IRB Hall of Fame.
After her playing career, Burns became a coach and worked with the Welsh national team. She focused on encouraging the next generation of female rugby players.
In 2019, she became the first woman to join the Welsh Rugby Union National Council. Her legacy is now celebrated with an annual Women’s County Championship trophy named in her honor.
Maggie Alphonsi
- Date of Birth: December 20, 1983
- Country: England
- Height: 1.63 m
- Weight: 73 kg
Maggie Alphonsi grew up in Lewisham, South London, overcoming many challenges to become one of England’s greatest women’s rugby players. Born with a clubfoot, she didn’t let it stop her from chasing her love for rugby.
Starting young, she worked hard and became a key player for England, playing a big role in their 2014 Rugby World Cup win.
Over her career, Maggie earned 141 caps and received an MBE in 2012 for her contributions to rugby. After retiring, she dedicated her time to encouraging more women to play sports and worked with several charities to support young athletes. Her story continues to inspire many.
Liza Burgess
- Date of Birth: March 24, 1964
- Country: Wales
- Height: 180 cm
- Weight: 79 kg
Liza Burgess is widely considered one of the top women’s rugby players, was born and raised in Wales, where she began her rugby journey in 1983 at Loughborough University. She joined the Wasps and later played for Saracens, winning several titles, including the first-ever women’s rugby treble.
Burgess was a key player for Wales, first representing her country in 1987 and leading the team as captain for 62 matches.
After retiring, she became a coach, working with the Wales women’s national team and encouraging young female rugby players. In 2019, she became the first woman to join the Welsh Rugby Union National Council.
Ruby Tui
- Date of Birth: December 13, 1991
- Country: New Zealand
- Height: 177 cm
- Weight: 71 kg
Ruby Tui has proven herself as one of New Zealand’s top women’s rugby players through her impressive achievements on the field.
She helped the Black Ferns secure gold at the 2020 Olympics and contributed to their Rugby World Cup win in 2021. Known for her speed, power, and determination, Ruby’s impact on the sport has been truly inspiring, making her a favorite among fans and an icon in women’s rugby.
Gabrielle Vernier
- Date of Birth: June 12, 1997
- Country: France
- Height: 1.65 m
- Weight: 65 kg
Gabrielle Vernier started playing rugby at the age of 10 with Rueil Athletic Club and later joined Racing Club Nanterre, where her passion for the game grew. She made her debut for the French national team in 2017 and has become an important player for the squad.
In 2023, she was named Six Nations Player of the Tournament after playing every minute and scoring five tries.
She also helped France reach the semi-finals of the 2021 Rugby World Cup. Gabrielle’s dedication to the team and her performance on the field continue to inspire young women to take up rugby.
Conclusion About 10 Best Women Rugby Players
Some of the 10 best women rugby players, like Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Sarah Hunter, and Emily Scarratt, have made a huge impact on the sport. They’ve led their teams to World Cup wins, set incredible records, and inspired fans across the globe.
Their dedication and love for rugby have helped the game grow, encouraging more women to participate. These female rugby players are not just champions on the field—they’re also role models for future generations.
FAQs About Female Rugby Players
Who is the best female rugby player in the world?
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is widely regarded as the best female rugby player in the world. Her record-breaking tries and contributions to New Zealand’s success in both sevens and XV rugby make her a standout player.
Who is the highest-paid female rugby player?
Although exact figures vary, top female rugby players like Emily Scarratt and players from the Black Ferns are among the highest-paid female rugby players, with salaries ranging from £45,000 to NZ$130,000 per year, depending on contracts and match bonuses.
Which famous female rugby players have won World Rugby Player of the Year?
Famous women’s rugby players like Emily Scarratt (2019), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (2017), and Jessy Trémoulière (2018) have all received the World Rugby Player of the Year award for their exceptional performances.
What makes the best female rugby players stand out?
The best women rugby players are known for their incredible skill, leadership, and determination. Players like Gill Burns and Maggie Alphonsi have paved the way for others, while modern stars like Ruby Tui continue to inspire new generations.
How do women’s rugby league players compare to rugby union players?
Women’s rugby league players are growing in prominence, especially with competitions like the NRL Women’s Premiership. While women’s rugby union players have historically received more attention, both formats are gaining recognition and support globally.
