England’s WXV-winning captain Marlie Packer has been named World Rugby Ladies’s Participant of the Yr for 2023.
Packer claimed the award forward of team-mate Abby Dow, France centre Gabrielle Vernier and New Zealand fly-half Ruahei Demant, who received the prize in 2022.
The Saracens again row, 34, led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam in April.
That was adopted by the inaugural WXV1 title, which was secured with a 33-12 victory over world champions New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.
“Me getting participant of the yr is credit score to the remainder of the gamers, I can not do my job with out them,” stated Packer, who scored a world-leading 11 worldwide tries in 2023.
Chatting with BBC Sport she added: “It means every thing. Final season I assumed was my season for it, I felt like I had an incredible season final yr and once I wasn’t anyplace close to it, I used to be gutted.
“So to be nominated this season meant every thing.
“I do not get my hopes up, I simply make certain I put an excellent efficiency out as a result of it is concerning the group, and also you by no means know when it is going to be your final time in a white shirt so you have to give your finest efficiency.
“Successful my 99th cap, profitable the WXV and profitable World Participant of the Yr – I do not assume tonight could be topped off any time quickly.”
Packer is certainly one of seven England gamers named in World Rugby’s Dream Crew.
She is joined by fellow forwards Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Zoe Aldcroft and Alex Matthews, with full-back Ellie Kildunne and winger Dow additionally included.
New Zealand’s Katelyn Vahaakolo was named Breakthrough Participant of the Yr, an award for which Scotland winger Francesca McGhie was additionally nominated.
