In recent Women’s Rugby World Cups, there have been a number of players who have primarily participated in sevens and then shifted to test rugby.
At the upcoming Rugby World Cup in 2025, this trend will be amplified, with almost all of the 16 teams including multiple players from their respective sevens programs.
Instead of listing the obvious “seven sevens players to watch,” we’ve chosen a somewhat arbitrary 10 for no other reason than to limit the list; the reality is that there are numerous sevens players who have transitioned, and this list could easily exceed 20 names.
Players such as Olivia Apps, Joanna Grisez, Amee-Leigh Costigan, and many others will be prominent in the competition, while injuries have unfortunately sidelined potential stars like Erin King and Chloe Jacquet. Charlotte Caslick’s recent withdrawal is a significant setback not only for the Wallaroos but also for the tournament, as it means the long-time face of sevens will not be seen on the World Cup stage.
Some well-known individuals are not included in the list. New Zealand’s Stacey Waaka and Theresa Fitzpatrick have already claimed multiple World Cups, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is in a class of her own.
England’s Meg Jones now focuses primarily on 15s, while Frenchwoman Kelly Arbey is relatively new to international play in both formats of the game. USA’s Alev Kelter is not listed because she regularly switches between the two codes, and as for her teammate Ilona Maher, she is already attracting viewers to the sport with her efforts.
So, here are ten sevens players to keep an eye on at the 2025 Rugby World Cup:
1. JORJA MILLER (New Zealand)
The current World Sevens Player of the Year could very well add 15s Player of the Year to her achievements by the end of the tournament—she is that exceptional.
Miller is arguably the most uniquely gifted player in the game, regardless of gender, format, or code. She excels on the big stage and has seamlessly transitioned back to the longer form of the game, where she initially gained experience in high school, despite the bigger challenges ahead.
2. RISI POURI-LANE (New Zealand)
Risi Pouri-Lane has distinguished herself on the sevens field over the past two years, and her composed presence at halfback had an immediate positive effect for the Black Ferns when she debuted against the USA in May.
Pouri-Lane is a player whose actions are more impactful than her words. She may have already secured her position as New Zealand’s primary number nine, owing to her precise and rapid delivery, developing kicking skills, and defensive strength.
3. FLORENCE SYMONDS (Canada)
Flo Symonds played her first 15s game on the wing against New Zealand two years ago, and she is now likely to be Canada’s starting center. Symonds was a standout performer during the Pacific Four, continuing the form she displayed throughout the sevens season after overcoming previous injuries.
Symonds is tall, strong, and capable of freeing her arms, and she also possesses a burst of speed. She has also been a reliable defender in both codes this year.
4. SERAPHINE OKEMBA (France)
Seraphine Okemba is a reserved individual with a significant impact on the field. She has already demonstrated what sevens fans have known for a long time. The Six Nations rising star is a powerful loose forward who has successfully adapted to the demands of being a 15s forward after establishing herself as one of France’s main sevens attacking threats.
Okemba is rangy, quick, and dynamic, adding a unique dimension to the French forward pack.
5. TIA HINDS (Australia)
There was much discussion about the number of Aussie Sevens players who would be willing to play for the Wallaroos, but ultimately only Charlotte Caslick, Tia Hinds, and Bienne Terita committed to Jo Yapp’s team.
With both Caslick and Terita now out due to injury, Hinds is left to demonstrate to sevens players in Australia what they could potentially achieve in the future.
Fortunately for the Wallaroos, Hinds remains composed under pressure and has repeatedly shown the ability to make a crucial play when her team needs it most. Thrust into the fly-half position, Hinds has embraced a significant challenge and has improved with each minute she has played.
6. EVE HIGGINS (Ireland)
Eve Higgins has been a reliable presence in the middle of the Ireland sevens line since her debut at age 18, and she has now brought that same reliability to Ireland’s midfield as they make a long-awaited return to the Rugby World Cup.
Higgins has occasionally played 15s in recent years but was among the few sevens stars who made a full commitment after the Paris Olympics, making an immediate impact in a team that is rapidly improving in the rankings.
Her close-quarters footwork, playmaking skills, and aggressive defense make Higgins a versatile threat.
7. ASIA HOGAN-ROCHESTER (Canada)
In truth, Asia Hogan-Rochester deserved a spot on the HSBC SVNS season dream team. As a judge, I acknowledge that we made an error. After a series of unfortunate injuries, Hogan-Rochester has demonstrated their ability to thrive on the big stage, becoming a key member of the silver medal-winning team and then guiding a new-look Canada team through the most recent sevens season, both scoring and preventing tries.
If they recover from the broken leg sustained in the draw with New Zealand in May, Hogan-Rochester will be a name to remember.
8. NADINE ROOS (South Africa)
Although this will be Roos’s second Rugby World Cup, the South African pocket rocket deserves recognition. Roos is as tough as they come and incredibly fast, setting the standard for the Springbok Women in both sevens and 15s, as both programs begin to experience the benefits of increased resources and investment.
Roos is possibly one of the fittest players in the game, with a work ethic that is difficult to match. Women’s rugby in South Africa is beginning to thrive, and Roos is at the forefront.
9. YASMIM SOARES (Brazil)
While much of the focus has been on Thalia Costa, the Brazilian sevens sensation, Yasmim Soares distinguished herself this past season as the Yaras achieved some remarkable results. After primarily being used as a scrumhalf off the bench, Soares played more frequently on the wing in 2025, dismantling teams with her exceptional footwork and incredible speed.
With Brazilian rugby still in its early stages, the majority of the sevens squad is transitioning for their historic Rugby World Cup debut, and Soares is a player who could potentially be a game-changer.
10. VERENAISI DITAVUTU (Fij)
Verenaisi Ditavutu is among the new generation of Fiji’s sevens stars, progressing within an increasingly professionalized program and capitalizing on the opportunities that come with greater attention on the game and its success. A mainstay of the sevens team since 2022, Ditavutu spent some time away from Fijiana to attend the Rhinos academy in the USA.
She made her test debut at centre last month against the USA and is a rangy, powerful runner and resilient defender, capable of producing a daring offload.
