Dynamic New Zealand No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker has been named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year for 2026. The 24-year-old secured the honor in Christchurch after a stellar season with the Black Ferns, beating standout nominees from England and Canada.
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson announced the accolade following New Zealand’s dominant series sweep over France. Olsen-Baker claimed the prestigious prize straight after the Black Ferns took their third test 36-7 in the WXV tournament on Saturday. Though she sat out the final match due to an ankle injury, she joined her teammates on the pitch afterward to receive a celebratory haka from the squad.
Olsen-Baker Competes Against Three International Rivals
The Player of the Year shortlist brought together four of the sport’s most influential international competitors. Olsen-Baker competed against a formidable group that included Canada tighthead prop DaLeaka Menin alongside England fly-half Zoe Harrison and Red Roses captain Megan Jones. Menin anchors the Canadian scrum, holding it together through her physicality, powerful scrummaging and tireless work around the field.
Jones returned to the shortlist for a second year in a row, having previously finished as a runner-up behind Canada lock Sophie de Goede in 2025. Harrison contributed 88 points from the tee for England across the year, helping drive her team through an eighth successive Women’s Six Nations title campaign in May.
She does it ALL š®āšØPresenting the Women's 15s Player of the Year 2026, Kaipo Olsen-Baker.#WorldRugbyAwards | @BlackFerns pic.twitter.com/i5yvrpL24V
Why Kaipo Olsen-Baker Secured the Top Honor
Voters and organizers recognized the New Zealand forward for her powerful ball-carrying, athleticism and relentless work-rate throughout the year. Her performances anchored a resurgent Black Ferns side under new head coach Whitney Hansen, losing just a single match all seasonāa tight 26-19 defeat against England in September.
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.
Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair
The Black Ferns finished their campaign with 10 victories in 11 outings, culminating in the comprehensive home series sweep against France in Christchurch. That final match saw New Zealand overcome an early French push to seal the win through a strong pack and sparky backline play. Left wing Ayesha Leti-Iāiga softened up France for New Zealandās first-half tries to Shyrah Tuliau-Tuaāa and Braxton Sorensen-McGee, who broke Kendra Cocksedgeās Black Ferns single season points record and extended it to 103.
Elinor-Plum King Wins Breakthrough Player of the Year
New Zealand claimed a double victory at the annual honors as flanker Elinor-Plum King won Breakthrough Player of the Year. The 22-year-old made her international debut in August and scored three Test tries in her first season, catching selectors’ eyes with her defensive contributions at the breakdown.
The global rugby awards celebration will conclude on Monday, November 2, when World Rugby unveils its Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year alongside the winner of the International Rugby Players’ Association Try of the Year.
Resilience. It's difficult to define. Not for Kaipo Olsen-Baker.This one didnāt come easy. Injuries came, and they came more than once. The setbacks. The rehab. The days where the pitch felt a world away and nobody was watching. Plenty would have stepped back. Kaipo stepped up.ā¦ pic.twitter.com/XS5WI0yV5m
You called it āļøAll the love for Kaipo Olsen-Baker. Women's 15s Player of the Year 2026.#WorldRugbyAwards | @BlackFerns pic.twitter.com/43jPNvNBPT