Front Row Powerhouses

Hope Rogers (USA)
Exeter Chiefs' unstoppable prop enters her 4th World Cup as the USA's most-capped player (55 tests). Her hat-trick against Australia in May proves she scores like a backline star.

Katalina Amosa (Australia)
The 23-year-old hooker’s meteoric rise saw her outplay NZ/Canada within a year of her Super Rugby debut. Brother Brandon’s Wallabies legacy adds to this dynamic family saga.

DaLeaka Menin (Canada)
Nicknamed “The Canadian Crusher”, this Exeter prop bulldozed world champions NZ in 2024. Her 78% scrum dominance rate makes her Canada’s secret weapon.

Lock Dominance

Manae Feleu (France)
Co-captain Feleu’s 4 turnovers + 2 lineout steals per game redefined lock play in the 2024 Six Nations. Sister Teani’s flanker brilliance creates France’s ultimate sibling rivalry.

Michaela Leonard (Australia)
The lineout saboteur stole 3+ throws against Canada this year. Her Exeter Chiefs experience gives critical intel for Australia’s opener vs England.

Backrow Brilliance

Sophie de Goede (Canada)
The goal-kicking flanker (87% accuracy) returns from ACL surgery hungry for redemption after Olympic qualification heartbreak. Saracens’ 2024 PWR MVP.

Kennedy Tukuafu (NZ)
2022 World Cup co-captain seeks revenge after bench role in the final. Her 12.3 tackles/game + 92% ruck efficiency make her NZ’s breakdown queen.

Creative Backline Maestros

Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France)
Scrum-half sorceress who landed a 45m drop-goal vs Scotland. Her 92% pass accuracy + 12 line breaks in 2024 Six Nations confirm her as rugby’s answer to Lionel Messi.

Ruahei Demant (NZ)
Reigning World Rugby Player of the Year orchestrates NZ’s attack. Guided Blues to Super Rugby title with 18 try assists + 154 points in 2024 season.

X-Factor Finishers

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ)
The GOAT (20 World Cup tries) emerged from retirement to torch USA for 7 tries in May. At 34, her 11.2s/100m speed defies time.

Ilona Maher (USA)
Social media titan (8M followers) meets rugby titan – her 4-try Bristol Bears stint boosted PWR attendance by 37%. A marketing dream with 96kg wrecking-ball physique.

Rising Phenoms

Kelly Arbey (France)
20-year-old wing sensation’s offloads (83% completion) mirror Fijian sevens flair. Scored against England on debut – now aims to dethrone them.

Claudia Peña (Spain)
Harlequins’ teenage fullback scored 8 tries in debut season despite Spain’s 97-7 loss to England. Her 4.6m per carry vs top-tier defenses signals future stardom.

Tactical Wildcards

Aseza Hele (South Africa)
South Africa’s human wrecking ball signed by Harlequins after 2023 World Cup. Clocked 7.3m per carry in warm-ups – can she spark an African rugby revolution?

Alex Tessier (Canada)
Newly appointed captain thrives in dual fly-half/center role. Her 12 line breaks in 2024 WXV1 tournament created chaos for defensive systems.

Key Storylines:

• England’s 78% win streak vs Southern Hemisphere teams
• USA’s $12M pre-tourment training complex investment
• Historic first: 8 English venues hosting 32 nations
• World Rugby’s new 23-player matchday squad rules

Data via World Rugby StatsZone | Last updated: August 2025