Get ready to be inspired, because the rugby world has a new superstar in town! Braxton Sorensen-McGee, the teenage sensation who took the Women’s Rugby World Cup by storm, has just scored her first try in the HSBC SVNS Series—and trust me, this is just the beginning. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this 19-year-old prodigy isn’t just making waves; she’s rewriting the playbook for what it means to dominate on the international stage.
Sorensen-McGee’s journey to stardom began in May when she made her debut for New Zealand’s 15s side, earning Player of the Match honors in a commanding 38-12 victory over the Wallaroos. And this is the part most people miss: she scored two tries in that match, hinting at the brilliance that would soon captivate the Rugby World Cup. Fast forward to the global stage, and Sorensen-McGee became a household name, scoring an astonishing 11 tries in just six appearances—whether on the wing or at fullback. Her performance was so remarkable that World Rugby crowned her the 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.
Now, let’s talk about her SVNS Series debut. After a headline-grabbing inclusion in the Black Ferns Sevens’ squad for the 2025/26 season, Sorensen-McGee wasted no time making her mark. In Cape Town, she not only scored her first SVNS try but also contributed 13 points in New Zealand’s 38-10 win over Great Britain. Here’s the controversial part: Is Sorensen-McGee the most exciting young talent in rugby today, or is she just benefiting from an exceptional team around her? Let’s discuss in the comments!**
The match itself was a masterclass in teamwork and individual brilliance. Danii Mafoe opened the scoring in the first minute, with Sorensen-McGee adding the extras. But it was her second try that stole the show. Reading Great Britain’s play perfectly, she intercepted a cut-out pass and sprinted away to score under the posts. Black Ferns Sevens captain Risi Pouri-Lane was quick to celebrate, followed by Katelyn Vahaakolo, who also crossed the line later in the game. Theresa Setefano, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, extended the lead, while GB’s Nia Fajeyisan provided a brief response. New Zealand’s dominance continued in the second half, with Vahaakolo and Mahina Paul adding to the tally, though GB’s Abigail Pritchard managed a late try.
Meanwhile, other teams made their mark in Cape Town. Japan’s women’s side secured a 26-19 win over Canada, thanks to Sakura Mizutani’s double, while Australia bounced back from their Dubai Sevens Cup Final loss with a stunning 41-0 victory over France. The USA also started strong, defeating Fijiana by eight points.
Sorensen-McGee’s rise is more than just a story of talent—it’s a testament to hard work, opportunity, and the evolving landscape of women’s rugby. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As young stars like Sorensen-McGee continue to emerge, how will the sport adapt to nurture and showcase their potential? Share your thoughts below—this conversation is just getting started!
