Biography
Braxton Sorensen-McGee, born on 26 October 2006, is a dynamic New Zealand rugby union player known for her speed, footwork, and finishing power. Standing 169 cm tall, she has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting young backs in the women’s game. A fullback and wing for the Blues in Super Rugby Aupiki and Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup, Sorensen-McGee also represents New Zealand’s Black Ferns at international level.
Raised in a rugby league family—five relatives from her maternal side played for the Kiwis—Sorensen-McGee was immersed in the sport from an early age. She attended Auckland Girls Grammar School, where she excelled in both rugby league and rugby union, representing various club and age-grade teams before choosing to commit fully to union.
List of Teams Played For
- Auckland Storm (2023–present)
- Blues (2025–present)
- New Zealand (Black Ferns) (2025–present)
Rugby World Cups Played
- 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup (England) – Bronze medal
Key Career Moments
Sorensen-McGee burst onto the scene in 2023 at just 16 years old, earning the title of Rookie of the Year in her debut season with Auckland Storm. Her leadership qualities were recognized in 2024 when she co-captained the New Zealand U18 sevens team at the Global Youth Cup, finishing third after a strong campaign.
In 2025, she joined the Blues for her first Super Rugby Aupiki season, marking another major step forward. That same year, she made a spectacular debut for the Black Ferns, scoring two tries against the Wallaroos in Newcastle.
At the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, Sorensen-McGee became one of the tournament’s standout stars. She scored back-to-back hat-tricks against Japan and Ireland—joining an elite list of just three players ever (men’s and women’s) to achieve two hat-tricks in a single World Cup. She finished as the tournament’s top try scorer (11), top points scorer (69), and led in line breaks (15). Her performances earned her the title of World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2025.
Personal Life
Sorensen-McGee’s family background in rugby league has clearly shaped her competitive drive and love for the sport. Although she was offered a development contract by the New Zealand Warriors Women in the NRLW, she chose to focus on rugby union, a decision that has paid off spectacularly.