Sophie de Goede: Canada's Versatile Star Wins 2025 World Rugby Women's Player of the Year
A career built on versatility
When you hear the name Sophie de Goede, you picture a player who can do it all – line up a perfect penalty, burst over the line for a try and dominate the ruck at the same time. The Victoria, B.C. native grew up with a rugby ball in her hands, thanks to parents who both captained Canada in the 1990s. That pedigree set the bar high, but Sophie turned family legacy into her own story.
She first cracked the national scene in the under‑18s, flashing a blend of speed and strength that made selectors sit up. By 2019 she earned her senior debut against a fierce Black Ferns side – a baptism by fire that only sharpened her resolve. While juggling a demanding Bachelor of Commerce at Queen’s University, she helped the Golden Gaels lift the national championship in 2021, proving she could balance study, sport and a winning mindset.
After university, Sophie signed with English giants Saracens. Her first spell saw her learn the ropes of professional rugby, but it was her return in 2024 that threw the spotlight onto her. Four minutes into her comeback match against Loughborough Lightning she crossed for a try, and the rest of the season turned into a points‑scoring binge – over 80 points in a single campaign, a tally usually reserved for specialists.
What makes Sophie stand out isn’t just the numbers. She’s a number 8 who can slot in at lock or blind‑side flanker, who can take a scrum‑half’s responsibilities on the turn‑over, and who trusts her boot as much as her feet. Coaches describe her as a “breakdown menace” because she consistently wins turnovers, snatches the ball and drives it forward, turning defensive pressure into attacking momentum.
Impact on Canadian rugby and the world stage
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup gave Sophie a global stage. Canada entered the tournament as underdogs, yet her leadership kept the side focused and hungry. In the pool stages she slotted three penalties and scored a crucial try against England, turning a potential loss into a win that kept the Eagles in contention.
When the quarter‑finals arrived, Canada faced France. Sophie’s decision‑making in the ruck turned the tide – several quick ball steals led to a try that sealed a 22‑17 victory. The semi‑final against New Zealand was a nail‑biter; a last‑minute penalty from Sophie handed Canada a 18‑16 edge, sending the team to the final for the first time in history.
Although the final ended in a loss, the silver medal sparked a wave of interest back home. Grassroots clubs reported a 30% uptick in female registrations, and sponsors began tossing more money into the women’s program. Analysts point to Sophie’s multi‑skill set as a catalyst – young players now see that you don’t have to be a specialist to make it at the top.
- 2022: Selected for the World Rugby Dream Team.
- 2022: Shortlisted for World Player of the Year.
- 2025: Wins World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year.
- 2025: Leads Canada to its first World Cup final, earning silver.
- 2024‑2025: Scores over 80 points in a single season with Saracens.
Beyond the stats, Sophie's impact comes from her demeanor. Teammates talk about her calm voice during high‑pressure moments and the way she mentors younger players during training camps. Off the field, she’s a vocal advocate for mental health, often sharing personal stories on social media to break down stigma.
Looking ahead, Sophie has hinted at a desire to stay involved with the game after retirement – perhaps coaching, or working within Rugby Canada’s development pathways. For now, her focus stays on the upcoming Six Nations and the next World Cup cycle, where Canada hopes to turn that silver into gold.
