Sport: Rugby Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Kaipo Olsen-Baker named World Rugby women's player of the year

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 9:25 AM

Last updated Oct 31, 2026

Kaipo Olsen-Baker named World Rugby women's player of the year

Summary

Kaipo Olsen-Baker of New Zealand was announced as the women's world rugby player of the year following a successful series against France. Although she missed the final match due to an ankle injury, her teammates celebrated her achievement with a haka. New Zealand's Black Ferns secured a 36-7 victory in the third test, completing a series sweep. Alongside Olsen-Baker, Elinor Plum-King earned the breakthrough player of the year award after her debut this summer. New Zealand capped off the year with 10 wins in 11 tests, losing only to England on a last-second try.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Olsen-Baker won the award after New Zealand's series win over France.
•She was celebrated with a haka despite missing the final match.
•Elinor Plum-King received the world breakthrough player of the year award.
•New Zealand finished the year with 10 wins in 11 matches.
•The Black Ferns' only loss was to England on a last-second try.

Latest Updates

9:25 AMYahoo Sports — Olsen-Baker named Women's World Player of the Year
9:24 AMBBC Sport — Olsen-Baker named Women's World Player of the Year
8:47 AMYahoo Sports — Kaipo Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the year after NZ sweep France

What they're saying

"
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — Dynamic New Zealand No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker was named the women's world rugby player of the year on Saturday.
— Yahoo Sports