The 2014/15 season was a very good one for the Ireland women's rugby team, as they claimed their second Six Nations title win in three seasons on the back of a very successful World Cup which included an historic victory over New Zealand en route to a semi-final appearance.
While there were a number of standout performers in a fantastic team, one woman in particular has been acknowledged for her performances with a nomination of World Rugby women's player of the year, and that is second-row Sophie Spence.
Spence has been nominated alongside New Zealand's Kendra Cocksedge and France captain Gaëlle Mignot, and World Rugby had the following to say about her rise to prominence:
Spence cuts an imposing figure in the second-row and started all five matches as Ireland claimed a second Women’s Six Nations title in three years following four victories in 2015. The 28-year-old was discovered by former Ireland coach Phillip Doyle playing in England and made her test debut in the 2012 Six Nations. She has since developed from a raw talent into a key figure in the Ireland team and has been described as “a player with genuine explosive power, a good ball carrier and defender.”
And they also included a few of her highlights in this nominee video:
The winner will be announced one day after the Rugby World Cup final, on November 1.
We wish Sophie all the best, and would like to offer her congratulations on being nominated.
via Media Release.
