World Rugby Awards 2025 nominees announced
The World Rugby Awards 2025 have revealed their list of nominations, spotlighting the players and moments that defined the global game over the past calendar year. As the rugby world reflects on standout performances from both hemispheres, fans are counting down to the ceremony where these achievements will be celebrated.
Categories and notable nominations
The awards cover a range of categories, from men’s and women’s player of the year to team and moment awards. Among the most anticipated honours are the Men’s Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year, which typically gather nominations from across top professional leagues, national teams, and the global 15s and 7s circuits. The 2025 nominees are a testament to the sport’s evolving landscape, with a mix of seasoned internationals and rising stars earning recognition for their impact on the game.
Emerging talents and established stars
Expect to see a balance of established stars who have consistently performed at the highest level and emerging talents who have broken through on the world stage. The nominees reflect standout moments from 2024 into 2025, including influential ball carriers, dynamic playmakers, and rock-solid defenders who have shaped match outcomes in tight tests, Rugby Championship battles, Six Nations showdowns, and the global sevens circuit.
Key moments that could influence proceedings
While the full shortlist depends on voters, several moments from the season have already become part of rugby folklore: late-game breakthroughs, record-breaking tries, and clutch performances in high-stakes fixtures. These moments often swing votes and generate conversations among fans, pundits, and former players who will be casting ballots for the final awards. The 2025 nominations celebrate this breadth of excellence, from dramatic comeback wins to precision kicking under pressure.
How the winners are decided
Winners are typically decided by a combination of media voting, professional panels, and regional selections, ensuring a diverse set of perspectives represents the sport’s global reach. The process aims to balance individual brilliance with team impact, acknowledging players who have helped their teams achieve significant results and moments that have elevated rugby for fans around the world.
What to watch for at the ceremony
The World Rugby Awards ceremony is more than a presentation of trophies; it’s a celebration of the sport’s culture, resilience, and global community. Expect emotional speeches, tributes to former players, and a look ahead at how rugby continues to innovate, from coaching innovation to player welfare initiatives. For fans, the nominations offer a chance to relive defining matches and debate the merit of each candidate’s contributions over the past year.
Global impact and the road ahead
As rugby grows in regions outside its traditional strongholds, the World Rugby Awards play a crucial role in recognizing talent from across continents. The nominees for 2025 underscore the sport’s international nature and its evolving landscape, with players from multiple nations earning recognition for performances that transcended leagues and borders. The ceremony will not only honor individuals but also highlight the collective effort that keeps rugby competitive, entertaining, and inclusive for new generations of fans.
Stay tuned for the final winners and the detailed list of nominees across all categories as the rugby calendar reaches its peak. The World Rugby Awards 2025 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the best of the sport and signaling what’s to come in the next season.
