Standout seasons earns four players PWR Player of the Year nominations

The competition for the PWR trophy has been whittled down to four, as has the shortlist for PWR Player of the Season, presented by Canterbury.

In a season full of fast-paced, thrilling rugby off the back of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, four players in particular caught the eye.

Olivia Apps (Saracens), Maud Muir (Gloucester Hartpury), Clàudia Peña (Harlequins) and Emma Sing (Gloucester Hartpury) have all been nominated after stellar campaigns and the winner will be crowned on 10 June at the Rugby Awards 2026, presented by Gallagher.

Olivia Apps - Saracens

Olivia Apps only joined Saracens in October 2025 as injury cover.

But as far as debut seasons go, the 27-year-old couldn’t have asked for much better.

The scrum-half scored four tries in her first five appearances for the club, and a total of nine throughout the league.

Her impressive ability in both attack and defence showed: Apps made 740 metres, 99 carries, 520 passes, and 50 tackles.

She said: “Last year was a bit of a transition year after the Olympics and then getting ready for the World Cup and I was thinking more and more about playing in England. But I didn't really end up finding a contract in time.

“Then Alex [Austerberry] reached out to me because they needed injury cover for scrum half. I already knew a lot of people at Sarries and Alex had worked with the Canada team for the World Cup so it felt like an easy fit.

“I only had to sign up as injury cover, so if it wasn't a great fit for me, I knew it was kind of a one-season thing, but it ended up working out quite well.

“I think the style of play that we're playing at Sarries has been a lot more exciting this year, which I've really enjoyed.”

Maud Muir - Gloucester Hartpury

After winning the 2025 World Cup with England, Maud Muir has gone from strength to strength this PWR season.

The 24-year-old prop played a vital role in Gloucester Hartpury’s dominant run to the top of the league and post-season rugby.

Alongside being an England stalwart, she made 108 tackles for Hartpury and was a major part of the team’s close-knit bond off the pitch.

In reaction to her nomination, Muir said: “It's super special to be up for an individual award because I feel like that doesn't happen too much. Rugby is a team sport after all, and it is the victories you have as a team that are the most important ones.

“But it was super cool to be nominated alongside Singers, Peña, and Liv Apps, who have all had incredible seasons. We're four very different players as well.

“Winning the World Cup was pretty cool but in terms of Gloucester, the off-pitch moments with the girls are my favourite ones, and finding joy in the little things that we do.

“Especially given that lots of girls are moving on next year, I’m really taking in those moments because they are truly my best friends and another family.”

Clàudia Peña - Harlequins

Harlequins and Spain full-back Clàudia Peña is one of the most exciting players to watch in world rugby.

Peña’s rapid footwork and skilful agility have contributed to her 47 points scored, 149 carries, and 705 metres made for Quins.

The 21-year-old recently led Spain to a Rugby Europe Championship title before signing a new contract with Harlequins for next season.

Peña said: “One of the reasons I moved to England was to have that year of improving as much as I could and working as hard as I could to help me be at my best for the World Cup.

“I have really worked hard on my defence. All the backs are so good at avoiding contact, so I have been trying to improve on that over this season.

“After training, our defence coach has been helping me with contact work. I am trying to be braver in attack, trying to play without fear.

“It means a lot when you are connected with your team because you can play with that flow and score nice tries as a team. They are the things that help me play at my best.”

Emma Sing - Gloucester Hartpury

Emma Sing has played an integral part in Gloucester Hartpury’s high-scoring season.

The 25-year-old full-back sits second on the PWR standings for both points scored and conversions, with 114 and 42 respectively.

Her kicking record is outstanding, but Sing also made a whopping 1928 metres and 231 carries during the 2025/26 regular season.

Such exceptional and reliable form has made her a regular in John Mitchell’s England squad.

Sing said: “Kicking is something I do. I’m fortunate to play for a high-scoring team and get to kick lots of conversions and I’ve been fortunate to score a few tries as well.

“I do keep a look at the scoring charts, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. If we lost the league and I finished top scorer, I wouldn’t care. Winning the league is the priority.

“As a full-back, you will be put in bad situations in the backfield, so can you make your one-on-one tackles? Can you distribute to your wingers and release them to score, catching high balls? I’ve got goal-kicking as well.

“I am the trusty old reliable. I will do all my bits well, I won’t necessarily have many flashy moments but I’m reliable.”