The Women’s Eagles centre has scored 41 points across four WXV Global Series matches, helping the USA extend its winning streak to five Tests as World Rugby announces its 2026 women’s awards nominees.
USA Women’s Eagles centre Bella Vogel has made history as the first American nominated for World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, earning international recognition following an impressive 2026 campaign.
World Rugby announced the nominations on Monday, October 26, with Vogel joining France’s Pauline Barrat, New Zealand’s Elinor-Plum King and Australia’s Amelia Whitaker on the four-player shortlist.
The historic nomination follows a series of strong performances during the WXV Global Series, where Vogel contributed 41 points across four matches, including 19 successful conversions and a penalty goal.
The American has contributed 41 points across four WXV matches, converting 19 tries and adding a penalty goal as the Women’s Eagles recorded victories over Ireland, Wales and Italy twice.
The USA’s latest victory, a 54–24 win over Italy in Nashville on October 24, extended the Eagles’ winning streak to five consecutive Tests.
Eight players from six nations have been shortlisted across the Player of the Year and Breakthrough Player of the Year categories, with the winners scheduled to be announced this weekend.
Bella Vogel’s WXV Performances Earn International Recognition
Vogel’s nomination follows a productive international campaign in which she has demonstrated versatility across the American backline.
She started at fly-half against Ireland on September 20 before moving to centre for the following three matches.
Her goal-kicking has been particularly valuable, accounting for 41 points during the four victories.
Bella Vogel: WXV Global Series 2026
| Match | Result | Position | Conversions | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland — Sept. 20 | USA won 40–36 | Fly-half | 5 | 10 |
| Wales — Sept. 26 | USA won 26–24 | Centre | 3 | 6 |
| Italy — Oct. 17 | USA won 36–27 | Centre | 4 | 11 |
| Italy — Oct. 24 | USA won 54–24 | Centre | 7 | 14 |
| Total | Four victories | 19 | 41 |
Source: RFC WXV Global Series 2026 tournament statistics. Vogel also kicked one penalty goal against Italy on October 17.
Against Italy in Mansfield, Texas, on October 17, Vogel played the full 80 minutes and contributed 11 points. Her performance included 16 carries for 44 metres, 27 passes and 12 tackles.
A week later in Nashville, she played another 80 minutes and converted seven tries as the USA defeated Italy 54–24.
Her performances have also attracted attention from World Rugby, which highlighted the developing partnership between Vogel and fly-half Nina Mason, particularly their contribution to the American attack during the victory over Wales.
Vogel’s ability to operate at both fly-half and centre provides flexibility for the Women’s Eagles as they prepare to face stronger international opposition.
Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year: The Four Nominees
The 2026 shortlist features four emerging players representing the United States, France, New Zealand and Australia.
| Player | Country | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Bella Vogel | USA | Centre |
| Pauline Barrat | France | Back |
| Elinor-Plum King | New Zealand | Openside flanker |
| Amelia Whitaker | Australia | Wing |
Pauline Barrat — France
Barrat was named the 2026 Women’s Six Nations Breakthrough Player of the Tournament following her attacking performances during the championship.
Elinor-Plum King — New Zealand
The Black Ferns openside flanker has impressed through her physicality, defensive work and effectiveness at the breakdown. Her performances also earned special commendation from the senior Player of the Year selection panel.
Amelia Whitaker — Australia
The Wallaroos winger has demonstrated her pace and finishing ability throughout the international season, including scoring against Scotland during the WXV Global Series.
The Breakthrough Player award recognizes emerging international talents who have made an outstanding impact on the international stage.
Women’s Player of the Year: England, Canada and New Zealand Represented
Four established internationals have been shortlisted for World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year.
| Player | Country | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Zoe Harrison | England | Fly-half |
| Megan Jones | England | Centre |
| DaLeaka Menin | Canada | Tight-head prop |
| Kaipo Olsen-Baker | New Zealand | Back row |
Zoe Harrison — England
Harrison has been central to England’s attacking game through her tactical kicking and game management. Her interception try against New Zealand in September was among the standout moments highlighted by World Rugby.
Megan Jones — England
Jones has continued to demonstrate her attacking versatility, defensive qualities and leadership, including taking on the captaincy of the Red Roses during 2026.
Her nomination marks a second consecutive year on the Women’s Player of the Year shortlist.
DaLeaka Menin — Canada
Menin has been one of Canada’s most influential forwards, combining powerful scrummaging with an exceptional defensive work rate.
She scored a try during Canada’s 24–21 victory over England in Toronto on October 16, a performance that earned her a second WXV Global Series Player of the Week award in 2026.
Canada followed that result with a 31–22 victory over England in Ottawa on October 23, completing consecutive wins over the world champions.
Menin is seeking to follow fellow Canadian Sophie de Goede, who won the Women’s Player of the Year award in 2025.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker — New Zealand
The Black Ferns back-row forward has impressed through her powerful ball-carrying, athleticism and defensive performances throughout the international season.
England and New Zealand each have two nominations across the individual player categories, while Canada, France, Australia and the USA have one each.
Four Tries Shortlisted for Women’s Try of the Year
World Rugby has also opened voting for the International Rugby Players’ Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year 2026.
Four tries have been shortlisted, with supporters invited to select the winner through a public vote.
| Player | Country | Opposition | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Léa Champon | France | Scotland | Women’s Six Nations | May 9 |
| Pauline Bourdon Sansus | France | England | Women’s Six Nations | May 17 |
| Abi Burton | England | Australia | WXV Global Series | September 12 |
| Olivia Apps | Canada | England | WXV Global Series | September 19 |
The nominations include two French tries from the Women’s Six Nations and two from the WXV Global Series.
Olivia Apps’ nominated try came during Canada’s September 19 meeting with England, before the Canadians recorded consecutive victories over the Red Roses in October.
How to Vote
Voting closes Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Supporters can view the nominated tries and access the official voting information through World Rugby’s awards announcement.
WORLD RUGBY — WOMEN’S TRY OF THE YEAR VOTING
When Will the World Rugby Awards Be Announced?
The winners of Women’s 15s Player of the Year and Breakthrough Player of the Year will be revealed during the weekend of October 31–November 1.
According to World Rugby, trophies will be presented following the players’ final WXV Global Series matches.
The Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year will be announced on Monday, November 2.
Next Up: USA Women Face World Champions England
The Women’s Eagles return to action on Friday, October 30, against England at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, in the final round of the WXV Global Series.
The match presents the Americans with an opportunity to extend their five-match winning streak against the reigning world champions.
England enters the contest following consecutive defeats to Canada, while the USA arrives after victories over Ireland, Wales and Italy.
For Vogel, the match provides another opportunity to demonstrate the form that has earned her a place among World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year nominees.
