Who is the Best Women’s Rugby Player in the World Right Now?

Top 3 countdown to the best rugby player in the Women’s game

An electric generation of exceptional female athletes is taking centre stage in the world of rugby, rewriting the narrative and commanding the attention they so rightly deserve. These women are not only breaking barriers but are also setting new benchmarks for excellence in the sport.

In this exciting countdown, we'll take a closer look at the top 3 women's rugby players currently dominating the game or rugby.

3. Ellie Kildunne, England

Photo: World Rugby

Ellie Kildunne is a standout fullback for England, known for her blazing speed, amazing agility, and keen attacking sense. She's quickly become a star with her thrilling performances in the 2024 Six Nations as the tournament’s top try scorer (9 tries in 5 matches), making her a crucial player for the Red Roses. Kildunne’s knack for breaking through defenses and her strong defensive play make her one of the most exciting talents in women's rugby today.

Kildunne also played a vital part on an even bigger global stage, representing Team GB in Rugby Sevens at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Her ability to switch between formats, much like Antoine Dupont for France, highlights her incredible versatility and rugby intelligence.

2. Portia Woodman, New Zealand

Originally a netball player, Portia Woodman made the switch to Rugby Union in 2012, and the Rugby world has been a better place since. 

A core player of the New Zealand 'Black Ferns' team, Woodman has been a dominating figure in both the Rugby Union and the Rugby 7s circuit. Woodman has won a 7s World Cup, a 7s Player of the year (and player of the decade!), a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, back-to-back gold at 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics, and most importantly, a world cup victory in 2017 (where she was also the top points scorer and top try scorer in the tournament). 

Woodman is the type of winger that every opposing rugby player dreads; rapid, hard-working, and immensely physical. So physical in fact, that if Woodman can't run around you, she will run through you. Her strike-rate is terrifying and Woodman will run-in tries for fun as she uses her skills as a veteran 7s player to slice open defences at her behest. At the time of writing, Woodman is fresh from a 7-try demolition of Japan. If ever there was a statement of intent for the World Cup, then Woodman has laid down the challenge. Much like Scarratt, Woodman also uses her guile and power to form lose-lose situations for defences: Commit less than 3 defenders and Woodman has a high chance of scoring. Bring in any more and Woodman has already held her line and set one of her Black Ferns teammates on their way to the tryline. Her wing partnership with (the incredible) Ruby Tui is a thing of beauty to witness. 

The Best Women’s Rugby Player in the World is...

There have been two women so far who I have named as the best players in the world right now, and in their own right, they are deserving of the title. It has been incredibly difficult to settle on one, with the sheer number of incredible players that are putting their hands up for the title; even naming three has been near-impossible! With that being said, there is one player who stands above the others at the moment. The one, the only: 

1. Marlie Packer, England

Marlie Packer is the epitome of power and resilience in women's rugby. As a flanker for the England national team, Packer's physicality, work rate, and leadership have been instrumental in the Red Roses' dominance. Her ability to win turnovers, carry the ball effectively, and score crucial tries has earned her a reputation as one of the best players in the world. Packer's performances in the Six Nations and her unwavering commitment on the field make her a true standout in the sport.

Marlie Packer, with her exceptional skills and indomitable spirit, rightfully claims the title of the best women's rugby player in the world right now. Watch her next game, and you'll see why she deserves this accolade.

Marlie Packer is our pick for the best female Rugby player in the world right now.

Words // Edward Tristram