If you’ve ever watched a women’s rugby match and felt the excitement, chances are you’ve seen Sophie de Goede in action. She’s a powerhouse centre, known for breaking lines and making defenders look shaky. At South London Rugby we love highlighting players who bring skill, heart, and a bit of flair to the game, and Sophie fits that bill perfectly.
Sophie started her senior career with the Exeter Chiefs before moving to the famous Harlequins. With Harlequins, she helped win the Premier 15s title and earned a spot on the England senior squad. Her debut for England came in 2018, and she’s been a regular starter ever since, scoring crucial tries in Six Nations championships.
What sets her apart isn’t just the trophies. She’s known for a work ethic that pushes teammates to train harder. She spends extra time in the gym, works on her tackling technique, and even volunteers at youth rugby clinics. Those clinics are a big deal for us at South London Rugby because they inspire the next generation of players.
Fans love Sophie because she’s relatable. She talks openly about balancing a professional rugby career with university studies, showing that you can chase big goals without dropping everything else. On social media she shares training tips, game day rituals, and even her favorite post‑match snacks – simple things that make top athletes feel human.
On the field she plays with a calm confidence. When the ball comes his way, she doesn’t panic. Instead, she reads the defense, finds a gap, and either runs through it or makes a clean pass. That decision‑making skill has turned many close games into wins for her side.
Another reason supporters rave about Sophie is her leadership. Even when she’s not wearing a captain’s armband, she’s the first to cheer on a teammate who drops the ball or to help a rookie understand a new play. That attitude spreads through the squad and creates a vibe where everyone feels they can contribute.
Here at South London Rugby we keep an eye on players like Sophie because they set the standard for what we want in our own teams – strength, intelligence, and a love for the sport that’s obvious to anyone watching. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just curious about women’s rugby, watching Sophie play gives you a clear picture of why the game is so thrilling.
So next time you’re scrolling through our match reports or checking out upcoming fixtures, look for Sophie’s name in the line‑up. You’ll see why she’s a fan favourite and why her style of play matters to the whole rugby community. Want to see her in action? Drop by our home ground for the next match – you’ll get a front‑row seat to the kind of rugby that makes you jump up and cheer.
In short, Sophie de Goede isn’t just another player on the roster. She’s a role model, a hard‑working athlete, and a genuine rugby enthusiast who brings excitement to every game she plays. Keep an eye on her career, and you’ll see why she’s a name that keeps popping up in the headlines and in the hearts of fans across the UK.
Victoria‑born Sophie de Goede was named the 2025 World Rugby Women's Player of the Year after steering Canada to a historic World Cup silver. A captain, goal‑kicker, try‑scorer and breakdown powerhouse, she blends family pedigree with club success at Saracens. Her rise reshapes Canadian women’s rugby.
