Black Ferns star set to make a big splash at Manu World Champs

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Author: Samuel Sherry,
Publish Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2026, 3:40pm

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year Kaipo Olsen-Baker is looking to make a splash in a new arena at the 2027 Z Manu World Champs.

The 24-year-old missed the Black Ferns’ final game of 2026 with an ankle injury, but was handed her individual award after the team’s dominant 36-7 victory over France in Christchurch.

Olsen-Baker has decided to follow up her stellar season by becoming an ambassador for the Z Manu World Champs and aims to increase female sign-ups.

“Growing up with my sisters, everything was a competition, and we’ve always loved getting out on the water as a family,” Olsen-Baker said.

“But there’s definitely an art to perfecting the Manu that I haven’t quite mastered yet, and I’m determined to change that this summer! I hope my participation inspires other wāhine to take part.”

More than 80% of the registrations for the competition so far are from men, something that surprised the Black Fern.

Kaipo Olsen-Baker is an ambassador for the 2027 Z Manu World Champs. Photo / Ant Farac

“When I heard how many more guys than girls were entering the Manu Champs, I thought, we need to change that!

“Girls can do anything, and I’d love to see more girls and women getting out there, giving it a go and showing the boys how it’s done.”

Former All Black Piri Weepu returns as an ambassador for the event and is expected to be present at the grand final in Auckland on April 4.

Z Manu World Champs founder and event director Scott Rice said he was delighted to have Olsen-Baker and Weepu on board this year.

Kaipo Olsen-Baker (right) was awarded World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year after the Black Ferns' victory over France in Christchurch, while Elinor-Plum King was named world breakthrough player of the year. Photo / Photosport

“Kaipo is an incredible athlete and competitor, and we love that she’s bringing that same determination to mastering the Manu,” Rice said.

“She and Piri bring different sporting backgrounds but share that competitive spirit, and we’re excited to have them both encouraging more Kiwis to get involved.

“The Manu is something generations of Kiwis have grown up doing, and we want everyone to feel they can be part of it.

“We’d love to see more girls and women competing, and having someone like Kaipo encouraging them to give it a go is pretty special.

“And if she can master the pop, we might even have to get Piri to step up his game!”

Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Piri Weepu are both ambassadors for the 2027 event. Photo / Ant Farac