Marlie Packer: England captain wins World Rugby Women's Player of Year award for 2023

Marlie Packer led England to victory in the inaugural WXV1 competition on Saturday

England's WXV-winning captain Marlie Packer has been named World Rugby Women's Player of the Year for 2023.

Packer claimed the award ahead of team-mate Abby Dow, France centre Gabrielle Vernier and New Zealand fly-half Ruahei Demant, who won the prize in 2022.

The Saracens back row, 34, led England to a Six Nations Grand Slam in April.

That was followed by the inaugural WXV1 title, which was secured with a 33-12 victory over world champions New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

"Me getting player of the year is credit to the rest of the players, I can't do my job without them," said Packer, who scored a world-leading 11 international tries in 2023.

Speaking to BBC Sport she added: "It means everything. Last season I thought was my season for it, I felt like I had a great season last year and when I wasn't anywhere near it, I was gutted.

"So to be nominated this season meant everything.

"I don't get my hopes up, I just make sure I put a good performance out because it's about the team, and you never know when it's going to be your last time in a white shirt so you've got to give your best performance.

"Winning my 99th cap, winning the WXV and winning World Player of the Year - I don't think tonight can be topped off any time soon."

Packer is one of seven England players named in World Rugby's Dream Team.

She is joined by fellow forwards Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Zoe Aldcroft and Alex Matthews, with full-back Ellie Kildunne and winger Dow also included.

New Zealand's Katelyn Vahaakolo was named Breakthrough Player of the Year, an award for which Scotland winger Francesca McGhie was also nominated.