Black Ferns Elinor-Plum King (left) and Kaipo Olsen-Baker are up for World Rugby Awards PHOTO: WORLD RUGBY
Black Ferns loose forwards Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Elinor-Plum King have been named as finalists for the World Rugby Player of the Year Awards
Olsen-Baker is a nominee for Women’s 15’s Player of the Year and King is in line for Women’s 15’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Number eight Olsen-Baker has been a dominant player in 2026 having played seven of the Black Ferns Tests this year. She has been strong with ball in hand and also in defense.
Openside flanker King originally from Manawatu has played six Tests for New Zealand, all in 2026. The 22-year-old has impressed in both defense and at the breakdown for the side
Both Olsen-Baker and King are expected to play in the third and final WXV Global Series Test against France in Christchurch this weekend.
The New Zealand Black Ferns won the first two Tests.
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2026 finalists
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (New Zealand)
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year 2026 finalists
Elinor-Plum King (New Zealand)
Amelia Whitaker (Australia)