Erin King Recognized as Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year

Erin King received the women’s breakthrough player of the year award at the World Rugby awards ceremony held in Monaco. The flanker had participated with the Irish sevens team at the Paris Olympics in August, subsequently making her debut in the 15s format just one month later when Ireland faced Australia in Belfast. King then distinguished herself at the WXV1 competition in Vancouver, particularly during Scott Bemand’s team’s victory over the world champion Black Ferns. “I feel amazing,” she said.”It’s all happened so quick. I only got my first 15s cap a couple of months ago so everything has been moving so quick.”To even be nominated when I got the email a few weeks ago, I was in awe of that, and then to be named and win the award, I can’t quite believe it. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it, for sure.” King intends to continue playing both sevens and 15s rugby, with plans to compete in both the Six Nations and the World Cup in the upcoming year. Her international colleague, Aoife Wafer, was included in the team of the year. Meanwhile, men’s captain Caelan Doris was surpassed for the player of the year award by Pieter-Steph du Toit of South Africa.