Rising Star Braxton Sorensen-McGee Dominates Rugby Scene in 2025

Braxton Sorensen-McGee has taken the rugby world by storm in 2025, achieving remarkable milestones that have established her as a breakout star for the Black Ferns. Reflecting on her extraordinary journey, Sorensen-McGee admits that one personal goal did not materialize: “I kind of wanted to study.”

Just over a year ago, the young athlete was balancing her time between exams at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School and aspirations of becoming an early childhood teacher. Now, at just 19 years old, she has shifted her focus entirely to rugby, with education taking a backseat after a historic season.

In a remarkable year, Sorensen-McGee earned the titles of World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Junior Māori Sportswoman of the Year, Black Ferns Player of the Year, and New Zealand Rugby Age-Grade Player of the Year. Her achievements have prompted a notable transformation at her family home in Auckland, where she has replaced her previous trophies with new accolades.

“I had a lot of trophies from league, so I’ve just moved those aside,” she shares with humor, highlighting her history as an age-group star in rugby league. Sorensen-McGee’s decision to decline a development contract with the Warriors appears justified, as her rapid rise in rugby union has caught the attention of fans and selectors alike.

Sorensen-McGee’s rugby journey began in earnest during her first year of high school in 2020, coinciding with her scholarship in rugby league. She transitioned to rugby union, playing for Auckland in the Farah Palmer Cup. Her trajectory soared during the 2025 season, culminating in a standout performance in the Super Rugby Aupiki final where she scored a long-range try that helped secure victory over Matatū.

Following her impressive domestic performances, she received a call-up to the Black Ferns training camp ahead of the Pacific Four Series. “Obviously being new, I didn’t think I would even be considered for Pac Four,” she admitted, but she quickly proved her worth with a two-try debut against the Wallaroos in Newcastle.

With her exceptional speed, agility, and tactical awareness, Sorensen-McGee was a natural choice for the Black Ferns squad heading into the World Cup in England. Despite the team’s semifinal exit to Canada, she shone brightly, finishing as the tournament’s leading try-scorer with 11 tries and top points-scorer with 69 points. Reflecting on her World Cup experience, she remarked, “I obviously wasn’t planning to do any of that… but I kind of made a statement there. It was pretty special, and I’m still speechless.”

As her fame grows, Sorensen-McGee acknowledges the support she has received from her teammates and coaches, particularly Blues coach Willie Walker. He played an instrumental role in her development during her inaugural season in the Farah Palmer Cup.

The surge in interest surrounding Sorensen-McGee has inspired a new generation of young athletes who now aspire to follow in her footsteps. “It’s pretty cool,” she notes, as she receives encouragement from fans who look up to her as a role model. Known affectionately as “Baby” among her teammates, she maintains a level-headed approach to her growing responsibilities in the sport.

Recently, Sorensen-McGee transitioned to the Black Ferns Sevens team, debuting in the SVNS Series just nine weeks after the World Cup. The New Zealand team claimed victory in Dubai, followed by a second-place finish in Cape Town. Her initial signing with New Zealand Rugby was for the sevens format, where she co-captained the national under-18s team before her hybrid contract allowed her to participate in both formats.

Looking ahead to 2026, Sorensen-McGee expresses uncertainty about her future direction, stating, “We’re still trying to figure it out, really.” She confirmed her intention to play for the Blues in the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki season, as well as competing for the Black Ferns. The Pacific Four Series in April will coincide with the SVNS Series, presenting a scheduling challenge.

After a brief break for the holidays, Sorensen-McGee is poised to continue her rigorous training and competition schedule. As she prepares for an exciting year ahead, she recognizes the expectations that come with her newfound status. “I know there’s a lot of expectations on me,” she acknowledges, but she remains focused on the present, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded amidst her rapid ascent in rugby.

With her combination of skill, determination, and a supportive community, Braxton Sorensen-McGee is set to make an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring others along the way.