World Rugby presented its first women’s awards of the year on Saturday, after New Zealand v France.
The Black Ferns ended their Saturday with a double. Minutes after the 36-7 win over France in Christchurch, Kaipo Olsen-Baker was named World Rugby women’s 15s player of the year 2026, and Elinor-Plum King breakthrough player of the year.
Olsen-Baker ahead of two England players
At 24, the No.8 beat England’s Meg Jones and Zoe Harrison and Canada’s DaLeaka Menin. World Rugby praised a consistent season in a side that has lost just one Test in ten this year, to England (26-19), in Whitney Hansen’s first year in charge.
King, a first season and a trophy
Elinor-Plum King, 22, only made her Test debut in late August, in the year’s second Laurie O’Reilly Cup match. The flanker finished ahead of France’s Pauline Barrat, Australia’s Amelia Whitaker and the USA’s Bella Vogel. “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,” said World Rugby chair Brett Robinson.
The women’s awards conclude on Monday with the try of the year and the dream team of the year.
Key figures
24 the age of Kaipo Olsen-Baker, women's 15s player of the year
9 of 10 Test wins for the Black Ferns this year
26-19 their only defeat, to England in September
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