World Rugby

Black Ferns Star, Italian Fullback Named Breakthrough Players Of The Year

Black Ferns Star, Italian Fullback Named Breakthrough Players Of The Year

Black Ferns star Ruby Tui and Italian fullback Ange Capuozzo have been named World Rugby’s Breakthrough Players of the Year for 2022.

Nov 21, 2022 by RugbyPass
Black Ferns Star, Italian Fullback Named Breakthrough Players Of The Year

Black Ferns star Ruby Tui and Italian fullback Ange Capuozzo have been named World Rugby's Breakthrough Players of the Year for 2022.

Tui, a fan favorite, made a switch back to 15s to compete at this year's Women's Rugby World Cup and helped the Black Ferns claim their sixth title in front of a record-crowd at Eden Park.

The 30-year-old outside back was one of the shining lights on and off the field during the tournament, playing on the wing and at fullback for the Ferns during their campaign.

Tui took home the Breakthrough Player award for her efforts, her second prestigious. She also took the 2019 Sevens Player of the Year crown.

Breakout Italian star Ange Capuozzo was named the Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year after bursting into the spotlight during the Six Nations to help Italy break its winless streak over Wales.

The diminutive No. 15 came up with the play of the game with time almost up, breaking through multiple defenders to set up Italy's game-winning try in Cardiff to end years of misery for the Italians.

Capuozzo showed his game-breaking ability over the weekend with another stunning try against the Springboks, slicing through the line to outpace the cover defense for a classic try.