Black Ferns dominate World Rugby Awards as back-row pair take top honours

Black Ferns pair Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Elinor-Plum King have claimed top prizes at the World Rugby Awards.

Olsen-Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2026, while King has been named World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

It has been a mesmeric year for the Black Ferns, who have won all but one of their 10 Test matches in Whitney Hansen’s first year as head coach.

The pair received their awards at full-time of their – win over France in Christchurch at the conclusion of WXV Global Series.

24-year-old back-row Olsen-Baker has been a force all year. In WXV Global Series, she ranks in the top 5% of metres carried by a No.8, and has more try assists than any other player in her position.

She pipped England’s Meg Jones and Zoe Harrison, along with Canada’s DaLeaka Menin to the award.

King, meanwhile, has enjoyed a dominant first year in the Black Ferns back-row. Olsen-Baker’s Matatu teammate in Super Rugby Aupiki, King made her Test debut in the second Laurie O’Reilly Cup clash of the year in late August.

It is the flanker’s high-energy, high-intensity approach to the game that has set her apart. The 22-year-old was nominated alongside France’s Pauline Barrat, Australia’s Amelia Whitaker and the USA’s Bella Vogel.

Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, said: “Congratulations to Kaipo and Elinor-Plum on these thoroughly deserved awards. 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.

“To see both players recognised in front of their home supporters in Christchurch makes the occasion even more special.

“Their achievements reflect the exceptional talent and ambition driving women’s rugby forward. As the game continues to grow around the world, players like Kaipo and Elinor-Plum are raising standards and inspiring the next generation.”

The World Rugby Women’s Awards will conclude on Monday when the International Rugby Players’ Association Women’s 15s Try of the Year and the World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year are confirmed.