Five Black Ferns Named in World Rugby Women’s Dream Team
Five Black Ferns Named in World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year 2026
Five Black Ferns earned selection in the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year for 2026, anchoring a dominant weekend for New Zealand rugby that also featured Kaipo Olsen-Baker claiming Women’s 15s Player of the Year and Elinor-Plum King taking Breakthrough Player of the Year, according to the official international announcement.
Olsen-Baker anchors the side alongside lock Maiakawanakaulani Roos, wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga, midfielder Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, and fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee. New Zealand’s five selections place the nation second overall behind England, which secured six spots in the XV. Canada contributed three players and France added one to round out the international roster.
Expert Panel Selects Dream Team for 2026 Season
The Dream Team selection reflects standout performances across the 2026 international season. An expert panel consisting of Fiona Coghlan of Ireland, Lena Corson of France, Abby Gustaitis of the United States, Heather Moyse of Canada, Shannon Parry of Australia, Melodie Robinson of New Zealand, and Danielle Waterman of England chose the side.
At the 2023 World Rugby Awards in Paris, as reported by New Zealand Rugby, Ardie Savea earned Men’s 15s Player of the Year, Tyla Nathan-Wong took Women’s Sevens Player of the Year, and Mark Tele’a won Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year, alongside four All Blacks named to the men’s equivalent dream team.
The 2026 selections highlight the ongoing depth of New Zealand’s women’s XVs program on the world stage, recognising the standout performers of the 2026 international season.
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