Rugby is a sport that demands strength, skill, and strategy. Over the years, many women have shown exceptional talent on the rugby field. These players have not only excelled in the game but have also inspired many young girls to take up the sport. In this article, we’ll look at five of the best women’s rugby players of all time. These 5 players have made a big impact on the sport and have earned their place in rugby history.
Let’s dive into the stories of these amazing five women rugby stars who have changed the face of women’s rugby. Their achievements on the field and their contributions to the sport make them true legends of the game.
Portia Woodman (The Powerhouse)
Portia Woodman from New Zealand is often called one of the best rugby players ever, male or female. She started playing rugby at 20 and quickly became a star. Woodman is known for her incredible speed and ability to score tries. In 2017, she was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year.
What makes Woodman special:
- Helped New Zealand win the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup
- She has scored over 195 tries in international rugby sevens
- Won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Woodman’s speed and scoring ability make her a threat on the field. She continues to inspire young players with her skillful play and dedication to the sport.
Magali Harvey (The Versatile Star)
Magali Harvey from Canada is another top player in women’s rugby. She can play multiple positions, which makes her very valuable to her team. Harvey was named the IRB Women’s Player of the Year in 2014.
Harvey’s achievements include:
- Scoring a famous 87-meter try in the 2014 World Cup semi-final
- Helping Canada win a silver medal at the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup
- Being a key player in Canada’s rugby sevens team
Harvey’s ability to play well in both 15s and sevens rugby shows her all-around skills. Her speed and smart play make her a standout on the field.
Michaela Staniford (The Reliable Scorer)
Michaela Staniford from England has been a consistent force in women’s rugby for many years. She started playing for England at just 17 years old and has had a long, successful career.
Staniford’s career highlights:
- Played in three Rugby World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014)
- Won the 2012 Rugby World Cup Sevens
- Named IRB Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in 2012
Staniford’s experience and scoring ability have made her a key player for England. She has been a role model for young players, showing how dedication can lead to a long and successful rugby career.
Fiao’o Fa’amausili and Emily Scarratt (The Game-Changing Leaders)
Two more players deserve special mention for their leadership and impact on the game. Fiao’o Fa’amausili from New Zealand has been a dominant force in women’s rugby for many years. She captained the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s national team, to victory in the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup. This achievement was the highlight of her impressive career, during which she played in five World Cups. Fa’amausili is widely known for her strong leadership on the field and her exceptional skills as a hooker.
Equally impressive is Emily Scarratt from England. She is considered one of England’s most talented players and has played a crucial role in her team’s success. Scarratt’s most memorable moment came in the 2014 World Cup final when she scored the winning try, securing England’s victory. Her outstanding performances didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2019, she was named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, a testament to her skill and impact on the sport.
Both Fa’amausili and Scarratt have shown exceptional leadership on and off the field. They have helped their teams win important matches and have been great examples for other players.
The Impact of These Top 5 Womens Rugby Players
These five players – Portia Woodman, Magali Harvey, Michaela Staniford, Fiao’o Fa’amausili, and Emily Scarratt – have had a huge impact on women’s rugby. They have:
- Raised the level of play: Their skills and dedication have pushed the sport to new heights.
- Inspired others: Many young girls have started playing rugby because of these stars.
- Increased popularity: Their exciting play has attracted more fans to women’s rugby.
- Broken records: They have set new standards for performance in the sport.
- Improved recognition: Their success has led to more media coverage and respect for women‘s rugby.
These players have faced challenges, including less funding and recognition compared to men’s rugby. But they have overcome these obstacles with their talent and hard work. They have shown that women’s rugby is just as exciting and skillful as men’s rugby.
As women’s rugby continues to grow, these players will be remembered as pioneers who helped shape the sport. Their legacy goes beyond their impressive stats and medals. They have changed how people see women in rugby and sports in general.
Young players today have these great athletes to look up to. The future of women’s rugby looks bright, thanks to the path these stars have paved. As the sport continues to develop, we can expect to see new talents emerge, inspired by the achievements of these legendary players.
In conclusion, Portia Woodman, Magali Harvey, Michaela Staniford, Fiao’o Fa’amausili, and Emily Scarratt represent the best of women rugby stars. Their skill, dedication, and impact on the sport make them true rugby legends. They have not only excelled as players but have also been great ambassadors for women’s rugby, helping the sport grow and gain the recognition it deserves.
