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

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

Nicole Hardy · 2026-10-31T18:20:28.717Z

Olsen-Baker has been the standout forward all year so her award feels well deserved.

7 sourcesUpdated Oct 31, 20261 min read

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New Zealand's Olsen-Baker named World Rugby women's player of the year — Photo: Harry H Brewster / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

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New Zealand’s Kaipo Olsen-Baker was named World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, while Black Ferns teammate Elinor-Plum King won Breakthrough Player of the Year. The awards were presented in Christchurch after New Zealand defeated France 36-7 to complete a home series sweep. Olsen-Baker was recognized for her influential all-around performances, while King earned the honor after an impressive debut international season.

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In this story:Kaipo Olsen-Baker

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Broke Las Vegas Sun · Oct 31, 4:47 AM ETLeft within the hourCenter within the hour7 sources +4h on

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Left· 2 sources

“Kaipo Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the year after NZ sweep France”

Bozeman Daily Chronicle · Oct 31, 2026

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“Women's world rugby player of the year”

WFMZ - Allentown News · Oct 31, 2026

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Tom Gallagher⚡733m
King's breakthrough award is a good sign for the team's depth going forward.
Dana Whitfield⚡733m
The Black Ferns looked unstoppable in that final match against France.
Nicole Hardy⚡633m
Olsen-Baker has been the standout forward all year so her award feels well deserved.

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