Kaipo Olsen-Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year, cementing her status as one of rugby union’s elite performers. The 24-year-old number eight for the New Zealand Black Ferns received the prestigious award in recognition of an outstanding year on the international stage.
The accolade places Olsen-Baker among an exclusive group of champions. She joins previous winners Sophie de Goede and Ellie Kildunne on the honour roll, while her selection ahead of strong competition underscores her commanding 2026 campaign. Canada’s DaLeaka Menin and England’s Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison were all considered for the award, but Olsen-Baker’s impact proved decisive.
Recognition of Excellence
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson praised the New Zealand star’s contribution throughout the year. “Kaipo’s consistency and influence have been outstanding throughout 2026, while Elinor‑Plum has made a remarkable impression in her first year on the international stage,” Robinson said, highlighting the depth of talent emerging in the women’s game.
The award ceremony took place in Christchurch, providing a homecoming celebration for Olsen-Baker as New Zealand rugby continues its upward trajectory. The timing reflects a period of genuine momentum for the Black Ferns, who have enjoyed a particularly strong campaign under the stewardship of their coaching staff.
Black Ferns Resurgence
The Black Ferns’ success this year owes much to the fresh direction provided by head coach Whitney Hansen, whose appointment has helped reinvigorate the squad. The team’s collective performance has provided the platform for individual excellence, with Olsen-Baker’s Player of the Year honour serving as a marker of the programme’s health.
The award also extends recognition beyond established names, with Elinor Plum King, the New Zealand flanker, receiving the Breakthrough Player of the Year honour. Her emergence represents the next wave of talent propelling women’s rugby forward at the international level.