Braxton Sorensen-McGee Shines in Stellar 2025 Rugby Season

In a remarkable year for New Zealand rugby, Braxton Sorensen-McGee has emerged as a standout player, achieving multiple accolades that highlight her exceptional talent. Despite a whirlwind season, the 19-year-old admits she did not fulfill a key personal goal of pursuing further studies, instead opting to focus fully on her burgeoning rugby career.

Reflecting on her journey, Sorensen-McGee shared with the Sunday Star-Times that just over a year ago, she was preparing for exams at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. Initially, she had aspirations of becoming an early childhood teacher while also gearing up for her debut in the Super Rugby Aupiki. “My plan was to do Blues in the first part of the year and then go study the second part of the year,” she explained. However, her unexpected rise with the Black Ferns altered her trajectory significantly.

A Season of Triumphs

Sorensen-McGee’s impressive accomplishments in 2025 include being named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, Junior Māori Sportswoman of the Year, and Black Ferns Player of the Year. These honors come after a season that saw her excel on both domestic and international stages.

Her journey into rugby began in high school, where she initially played rugby league before transitioning into rugby union. After an impactful stint in the Farah Palmer Cup for Auckland, she quickly made a name for herself, culminating in a memorable performance during the Super Rugby Aupiki final against Matatū, where she scored a decisive long-range try.

Just five days later, Sorensen-McGee played a crucial role in the Super Rugby Champions final against the Waratahs, scoring two tries in the first half of the match. This impressive display led to her selection for 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, yet made an immediate impact with a two-try debut in a victory over the Wallaroos in Newcastle. Her exceptional speed and agility solidified her place in the squad for the 2025 World Cup in England.

World Cup Glory and Future Aspirations

At the World Cup, Sorensen-McGee showcased her talent, finishing as the tournament’s leading try-scorer with an impressive total of 11 tries and also topping the points chart with 69 points. Despite the Black Ferns’ semifinal exit against Canada, her performances were a highlight, earning her further acclaim.

“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,” she remarked.

Sorensen-McGee’s rapid ascent in rugby has inspired many young athletes, especially girls, who see her as a role model. “It’s pretty cool” to receive messages from aspiring players wanting to emulate her success, she noted.

As she transitions into the Black Ferns Sevens team, Sorensen-McGee is set to face new challenges. Just nine weeks after her World Cup experience, she debuted in the SVNS Series, contributing to New Zealand’s triumph in Dubai and a runner-up finish in Cape Town. She had originally signed with New Zealand Rugby for the sevens format after co-captaining the national under-18s team.

Looking ahead, Sorensen-McGee plans to continue playing for the Blues in the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki season, which has been rescheduled to June-August. She is also eager to support the Black Ferns, despite potential scheduling conflicts with the SVNS series. “We’re still trying to figure it out, really,” she explained, indicating her desire to balance both formats.

As she prepares for the challenges of 2026, including moving out for the first time to train in Mount Maunganui, Sorensen-McGee acknowledges the expectations that come with her newfound prominence. “I know there’s a lot of expectations on me,” she said. “To be honest, I don’t really think about it that much. Just stay in the present; whatever happened in the past happened.”

With a bright future ahead, Braxton Sorensen-McGee continues to prove that her journey is just beginning, and her impact on the sport will only grow as she embraces the challenges ahead.