From Jonny Wilkinson to Ellie Kildunne, who are the rugby stars recognised by the prestigious award?
Sports Personality of the Year has a women’s rugby player on the shortlist for the first time ever in 2025 with Ellie Kildunne named.
The England full-back has had a glittering year, winning the Six Nations and the Rugby World Cup.
Kildunne, who also won her 50th England cap this year, has become one of the stars of the game with her signature try celebration setting off a trend in the sport. When attending a Red Roses match you cannot move for cowboy hats which is thanks to Kildunne,Jess Breach and Meg Jones’ rodeo celebration.
The Harlequins player used the celebration nine times across the Six Nations and World Cup, adding to England’s huge success.
Read more: Get your special Red Roses World Cup issue here
The nomination is another statement to the growth of the women’s game.But Kildunne’s nomination has supporters wondering which othre rugby union stars have previously been shortlisted for the award. The full list is below.
Can you name the rugby players to have been nominated for Sports Personality of the Year? The full list
Table of Contents
Barry John (1971, third place)
Wales fly-half Barry John had a formidable reputation at the time of his third-place finish which carries through to this day. He is regarded as one of the best 10s to ever play the game and in 1971 he was a key figure in the British and Irish Lions series win against New Zealand.
john was the top point-scorer across the three Tests,slotting 30 for the Lions. Away from the Lions, John was a part of the Wales team who won the Five Nations Grand Slam. The slam was Wales’ first since 1952.
The rugby star lost to royalty at the BBC awards with Princess Anne winning the trophy.
Related: Watch emotional Kevin Sinfield SPOTY speech
Willie John McBride was not only a part of the 1974 winning lions team, he captained them to thier historic victory. His leadership qualities for club and country saw him appointed as the skipper and he led his teammates to the first Test series win in South africa.
The achievement led to McBride being nominated for the BBC’s accolade and he ended up coming third. While he did not pick up the big prize, he has gone down as a rugby legend. He is a reference point for an entire generation of players and is an iconic captain.
Will Carling (1991, second place)
Will Carling of England chips over the head of Raymond Nelson of USA. – (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images)
Will Carling is one of the great England captains. In 1991 he led his team to huge success which saw him put on the SPOTY shortlist. England won the Five Nations Grand Slam and they also reached the Rugby World Cup final, the first time England had done so.
They faced Australia in the final at
Martin Johnson with his runner up award during BBC 50th Sports Personality Of The Year Awards at BBC Television Center in London, Great Britain.(Photo by Tim Whitby/WireImage)
Just like Wilkinson, Martin Johnson was a part of the 2003 World Cup winning team. However, he was the captain of the squad.his leadership helped to guide the team to the final against the hosts australia which ended in dramatic fashion with England just pipping their rivals.
Johnson was beaten by Wilkinson to the main award but he came second. That meant rugby union won the award, picked up the runner-up, team of the year and coach of the year. 2003 was definitely the year rugby union was put on the map and SPOTY demonstrated that fully.
Read more: Rugby’s greatest Martin Johnson
###Jason Robinson (2007, nominee)
He was also a part of Wales’ Six Nations tournament win. The star was the Six Nations player of the tournament that year. Halfpenny’s efforts saw him come second with only tennis player Andy Murray pipping him to the main silverware. Halfpenny also won the Wales SPOTY in 2013.
Related: Halfpenny – how to kick at goal
Overseas Sports Personality of the Year winners
Jonah Lomu (1995, wine)
Jonah Lomu of New Zealand dives over for the try during the 1995 Rugby World Cup match between england and New Zealand played in Cape Town, South Africa.new Zealand beat England 45 – 29. Mandatory Credit: Dave Rogers /allsport
Dan Carter: the Only Rugby Player to Win BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Dan Carter is a name synonymous with rugby excellence. The legendary New Zealand fly-half achieved numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career, but one stands out as notably unique: he’s the only rugby player to have ever won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award. He claimed the title in 2015, capping off a remarkable career with a prestigious individual honour. Carter’s 2015 season was nothing short of stunning. He led the All Blacks to victory at the Rugby World Cup, delivering a masterful performance throughout the tournament. His tactical brilliance, pinpoint kicking, and overall playmaking ability were instrumental in new Zealand’s success. He consistently delivered under pressure, showcasing the qualities that made him a global rugby icon. The performances also saw him win World Rugby Player of the Year in 2015. It was the third time he had received the individual honour. He bowed out from international rugby in the same year which brought a close to a phenomenal career. All capped off by winning the BBC award. Read more: When Dan Carter retired from rugby Various rugby teams have won the Team of the Year gong. the first to do so was the British and Irish Lions team in 1971 and the Lions have also won the award in 1974, 1997 and 2013.England won the accolade in 1980, 1991, 1993, 2003, 2007. The Red Roses won it in 2014, while Scotland won it in 1990. For coach of the year Sir clive Woodward won it in 2003 after winning the World Cup with England. warren gatland also picked up the gong in 2013 after steering the Lions to a series win and also having a successful year as Wales coach.Has anyone else in rugby union won anything during SPOTY?