By Canadian Press

Canadian back Alex Tessier up for World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Player of the Year Award

Nov 20, 2024 | 9:19 AM

Canadian Alex Tessier is a finalist for World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Player of the Year.

The 31-year-old fly half/centre from Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, Que., is up against France’s Pauline Bourdon Sansus and England’s Ellie Kildunne and Alex Matthews.

The winner will be announced Sunday at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco.

Canada captain Sophie de Goede, along with Bourdon Sansus and Matthews, was a finalist for the award in 2022 when New Zealand’s Ruahei Demant won.

Tessier won her 50th cap in 2024 and, playing at inside centre alongside fly half Claire Gallagher, led the Canada women to a historic first-ever victory over New Zealand to win the 2024 Pacific Four Series in May. The 22-19 comeback victory lifted Canada into second place in the women’s world rankings, its highest position since November 2016.

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Tessier’s strong kicking game was also key for Canada.

“I have known Alex for a very long time,” Canada coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement. “She has always been an amazing rugby player and has always had the talent to be one of the best rugby players in the world.

“She has recently fully committed herself to rugby and now the world gets to see her showcase her talent on the pitch. She is a complete and very smart rugby player. Our staff and players are very proud of her nomination.”

Tessier scored 27 points in starting all six matches for Canada in 2024 to up her career total to 48 points (including five tries) in 54 appearances.

Tessier plays professionally in England for the Exeter Chiefs.

World Rugby Awards Finalists

Men’s 15s

World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, South Africa; Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, England; Jamie Osborne, Ireland; Wallace Sititi, New Zealand.

World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year: Caelan Doris, Ireland; Eben Etzebeth, South Africa; Pieter-Steph du Toit, South Africa; Cheslin Kolbe, South Africa.

International Rugby Players Men’s 15s Try of the Year: James Lowe (Ireland versus England, Men’s Six Nations, March 10); Lorenzo Pani (Italy versus Wales, Men’s Six Nations, March 17); Nolann Le Garrec (France versus England, Men’s Six Nations, March 17); Akaki Tabutsadze (Georgia versus Australia, July Internationals, July 20).

Women’s 15s

World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year: Caitlyn Halse, Australia; Maddie Feaunati, England; Erin King, Ireland; Hannah King, New Zealand.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year: Pauline Bourdon Sansus, France; Ellie Kildunne, England; Alex Matthews, England; Alex Tessier, Canada.

International Rugby Players Women’s 15s Try of the Year: Alyssa D’Incà (Italy versus Scotland, Women’s Six Nations, April 20); Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand versus Australia, Pacific Four Series, May 25); Maya Stewart (Australia versus Wales, WXV, Sept. 28); Marine Menager (France versus Canada, WXV, Sept. 29).

Sevens

World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Antoine Dupont, France; Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, France; Terry Kennedy, Ireland.

World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Michaela Blyde, New Zealand; Maddison Levi, Australia; Jorja Miller, New Zealand.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 20, 2024

The Canadian Press