Thirteen Women’s Six Nations stars have been named in World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year.
Representatives from England, France, Wales and Italy have been chosen in the star-studded XV alongside internationals from New Zealand and Canada, with the squad boasting 539 caps.
Les Bleues make up the majority of the side with six representatives, including loosehead prop Annaëlle Deshayes and hooker Agathe Sochat.
Second row Safi N’Diaye joins her compatriots in the pack while there is an all-French half-back pairing.
Laure Sansus slots in at scrum-half alongside No.10 Caroline Drouin with Caroline Boujard taking up a spot on the wing.
Reigning Six Nations champions England have five players in the side with the Red Roses enjoying a flawless 2021 where they won all eight of their matches, including a nervy 10-6 triumph over France to claim the title earlier this year.
Red Roses coach Simon Middleton was yesterday announced as World Rugby’s Coach of the Year, making history as the first women’s coach to ever receive the award.
Middleton makes history by winning World Rugby Coach of the Year award
Four of Middleton’s five players in the side can be found in the forward pack with tighthead prop Sarah Bern, lock Abbie Ward, flanker Zoe Aldcroft and No.8 Poppy Cleall being recognised for their performances.
England are on an 18-game winning streak and have one representative in the backline in winger Abby Dow.
Wales speedster Jasmine Joyce has excelled due to her devastating pace and after several eye-catching performances is named at full-back.
Italy centre Beatrice Rigoni wears the No.12 jersey and is partnered in midfield by Silver Ferns star Stacey Fluhler, while Canada’s openside flanker Karen Paquin is the only forward from outside the Women’s Six Nations to make the team.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year:
15. Jasmine Joyce (Wales), 14. Caroline Boujard (France), 13. Stacey Fluhler (New Zealand), 12. Beatrice Rigoni (Italy), 11. Abby Dow (England), 10. Caroline Drouin (France), 9. Laure Sansus (France); 1. Annaëlle Deshayes (France), 2. Agathe Sochat (France), 3. Sarah Bern (England), 4. Safi N’Diaye (France), 5. Abbie Ward (England), 6. Zoe Aldcroft (England), 7. Karen Paquin (Canada), 8. Poppy Cleall (England)
