{
  "id": 17369660,
  "title": "Kaipo Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women’s player of the year after NZ sweep France",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/kaipo-olsen-baker-crowned-world-rugby-womens-player-of-the-year-after",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T08:48:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/10/31/kaipo-olsen-baker-crowned-world-rugby-womens-player-of-the-year-after-nz-sweep-france"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Zealand's dynamic No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker was honored as the 2023 Women's World Rugby Player of the Year on Saturday. Following the Black Ferns' home series sweep of France, Olsen-Baker was recognized for her powerful ball-carrying, athleticism, and relentless work-rate throughout the year. She missed one match due to an ankle injury but received a celebratory haka from her teammates.\n\nAlternative nominees included England backs Megan Jones and Zoe Harrison, and Canada's DaLeaka Menin. Black Ferns flanker Elinor Plum-King was awarded the World Breakthrough Player of the Year, marking the fourth New Zealand recipient in five seasons. Plum-King, who made her debut in August, impressed with her physicality, defensive work, and presence at the breakdown.\n\nFrance was outscored 36-7 in the third test and trailed 12-7 at halftime but gradually succumbed to the Black Ferns' robust pack, brilliant handling, and sparky backline. Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Megan Jones both scored tries before halftime, with Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a and Braxton Sorensen-McGee extending New Zealand's lead. Hooker Mailys Mailagi scored for France just before halftime. The Black Ferns' pack reasserted itself in the second half, setting up tries for Tuliau-Tua'a, Maddi Robinson, and a late effort by Mererangi Paul. The team finished the year with a record of 10 wins in 11 matches, losing only to England on a last-second Harrison intercept try.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Kaipo Olsen-Baker named World Rugby women’s player of the year",
    "New Zealand Black Ferns swept France in home series",
    "Elinor Plum-King awarded World Breakthrough Player of the Year"
  ],
  "editors_take": "New Zealand's continued dominance in individual awards reinforces the Black Ferns' status as the premier force in women's rugby following their highly successful and physically imposing season.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Kaipo Olsen-Baker crowned World Rugby women's player of the year after NZ sweep France",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/kaipo-olsen-baker-crowned-world-rugby-womens-player-of-the-year-after-17371666",
        "published": "2026-10-31T08:47:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}