Ealing Star Up for World Rugby Women's Player of the Year
Trailfinder's Meg Jones named as a finalist
Meg Jones. Picture: Ealing Trailfinders
September 22, 2025
Ealing Trailfinder’s centre Meg Jones has been shortlisted for the prestigious World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award, following a standout performance in the Red Roses’ semi-final victory over France and a consistent run throughout the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Meg joins Canada’s Sophie de Goede and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller on the three-player shortlist. The winner will be announced during the trophy presentation at Saturday’s World Cup final at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, where England will face Canada in front of a sold-out crowd.
Trailfinders Women Head Coach Barney Maddison praised her impact, saying: “Meg is an immense player. She’s a formidable leader on the pitch who lifts everyone around her; she’s been central to so much of what England have achieved at the World Cup so far.”
The 28-year-old has started 11 of England’s 12 matches this year and played a pivotal role in their Six Nations Grand Slam campaign. Born in Cardiff, she began playing rugby at age six and made her England debut in 2015 against New Zealand. Her career spans both XVs and sevens formats, including appearances for Team GB at the Olympic Games and a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She joined Ealing Trailfinders ahead of the 2025–26 season after spells with Bristol Bears, Wasps, and Leicester Tigers.
Saturday’s final will also feature several Trailfinders players on both sides, including England’s Abi Burton and Canada’s Julia Schell, Claire Gallagher, and Mikiela Nelson.
The World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year award was first introduced in 2015 and has since become one of the sport’s highest individual honours. Past winners include England’s Emily Scarratt (2019), Zoe Aldcroft (2021), and Ellie Kildunne (2024), as well as New Zealand’s Portia Woodman and Ruahei Demant. The award is judged on performances in international test matches and selected by a panel of former players and experts.
Meg’s nomination reflects not only her technical skill and leadership but also her resilience and influence within the squad. Speaking ahead of the final, she said, “This World Cup has meant more than just rugby: it’s about visibility, identity, and showing up fully—on and off the pitch.”
The final kicks off at 4pm on Saturday, with France and New Zealand contesting the bronze medal earlier in the day.
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