New Zealand number eight Kaipo Olsen-Baker takes rugby's top individual honour in the women's game, named World Rugby's Women's Player of the Year.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker has reached the summit of the women's game. The New Zealand number eight has been named World Rugby's Women's Player of the Year, the sport's most prestigious individual award.
The back-row forward earns the honour for her influence from the base of the scrum, where the number eight is expected to do a bit of everything. The role demands power in contact, steady ball-carrying, defensive work and the awareness to link forwards with backs.
Winning the award puts Olsen-Baker among the standout names in women's rugby, a game that keeps growing in profile and competitiveness. Recognition like this reflects how much the sport values dominant, all-court forward play at the highest level.
For New Zealand, the award is another proud moment, with one of their own recognised as the best the women's game has to offer. Rivals will now be looking for ways to stop her.
