New Zealand number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker has been named World Rugby Women's Player of the Year for 2026. The 24-year-old beat Canada's DaLeaka Menin and England's Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison to claim the award.
Olsen-Baker was a standout performer for the Black Ferns, who suffered only one defeat this year under new head coach Whitney Hansen – a 26-19 loss to England in September. She helped New Zealand win the Pacific Four Series, a competition also involving Canada, Australia and the United States.
New Zealand flanker Elinor-Plum King won World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year after scoring three Test tries in her debut Black Ferns season. World Rugby chair Brett Robinson praised both players, noting Olsen-Baker's consistency and influence throughout 2026 and King's remarkable impression in her first year on the international stage.
The awards were presented in front of home supporters in Christchurch.
