(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: 10 Exciting Sevens Stars Ready to Shine in 15s
The Women’s Rugby World Cup has always been a stage for the best of the best — but this year, there’s an even bigger twist. The 2025 tournament will see an unprecedented wave of rugby sevens players stepping into the 15s arena. Almost every one of the 16 competing teams features multiple athletes from their sevens programs, bringing speed, flair, and a whole new dimension to the game.
While the list of crossover players could easily stretch past 20 names, we’ve picked 10 standout sevens stars who are ready to make a big impact on rugby’s biggest stage.
1. Jorja Miller (New Zealand)
The reigning World Sevens Player of the Year is tipped to make waves in 15s. Known for her fearless play and game-changing skills, Miller has transitioned seamlessly back to the longer format — a style she excelled in during her school years.
2. Risi Pouri-Lane (New Zealand)
A calm, composed halfback, Pouri-Lane has quickly made her mark for the Black Ferns. Her crisp passing, growing kicking game, and defensive strength could see her claim New Zealand’s No. 9 jersey for good.
3. Florence Symonds (Canada)
From her 15s debut on the wing just two years ago to now locking down a starting centre spot, Symonds has impressed with her power, pace, and rock-solid defence.
4. Seraphine Okemba (France)
Once a strike weapon in sevens, Okemba has transformed into a dynamic loose forward in 15s. Her athleticism and power add a unique edge to France’s forward pack.
5. Tia Hinds (Australia)
With Charlotte Caslick and Bienne Terita sidelined, Hinds carries the torch for Australia’s sevens crossovers. Calm under pressure, she’s stepped into the fly-half role with confidence and creativity.
6. Eve Higgins (Ireland)
A consistent force in Ireland’s sevens team since her teenage debut, Higgins has brought her playmaking flair and tough defence to the 15s midfield, helping Ireland’s resurgence on the global stage.
7. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Canada)
Injury setbacks haven’t slowed Hogan-Rochester’s rise. Known for both scoring and saving crucial tries, she’s a proven big-match performer — one to watch if fit for the tournament.
8. Nadine Roos (South Africa)
One of South Africa’s most influential players, Roos blends blistering speed with tireless work rate. She’s already a leader in both sevens and 15s, inspiring a new generation of Springbok Women.
9. Yasmim Soares (Brazil)
Fast, elusive, and fearless, Soares has been a breakout star for Brazil. As her team makes its Rugby World Cup debut, her ability to slice through defences could turn heads.
10. Verenaisi Ditavutu (Fiji)
A powerful runner with a flair for offloads, Ditavutu has been a key figure in Fiji’s sevens side since 2022. Her recent test debut showed she’s ready for the physical and tactical demands of 15s.
Why This Matters
The influx of sevens talent into the 15s format isn’t just a storyline — it’s a shift that could change the tempo of the entire tournament. These players bring agility, unpredictability, and the ability to create something out of nothing, which promises to make Rugby World Cup 2025 one of the most thrilling editions yet.
