Olsen-Baker named Women’s World Player of the Year
New Zealand number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, recognising her performances for a resurgent Black Ferns side. The award highlights New Zealand’s strong season under new head coach Whitney Hansen.
The 24-year-old beat Canada’s DaLeaka Menin and England players Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison. New Zealand lost only once this year, 26-19 to England in September, and won the Pacific Four Series, which also features Canada, Australia and the United States. Black Ferns flanker Elinor-Plum King, 22, was named Breakthrough Player of the Year after scoring three Test tries in her debut season.
In short
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker wins World Rugby’s top women’s award.
- New Zealand lost only once this year.
- Elinor-Plum King earns breakthrough player recognition.
Explained simply
The Black Ferns are New Zealand’s national women’s rugby team, one of the leading sides in international rugby. They compete in Test matches against other countries and in tournaments such as the Pacific Four Series, alongside Canada, Australia and the United States.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker plays at number eight, a position in the forward pack involved in contests for the ball and carrying it in attack. World Rugby’s annual player award recognises performances in the international game; the other finalists this year were from Canada and England.
The team’s season also reflects the impact of head coach Whitney Hansen, who took charge before this run of results. Elinor-Plum King’s breakthrough award recognises her first season playing Tests for New Zealand, during which she scored three tries.