Ireland's Erin King has been named the Women's Breakthrough Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco.
The 21-year old Wicklow flanker has made a huge impact for the 15s side since making her debut in the autumn, subsequently scoring two tries in the sensational 29-27 victory over New Zealand in the Women's XV1 in September.
King makes history as the first Irish female player to win an individual award at the World Rugby Awards, Joy Neville having claimed the Referee of the Year award in 2017.
Making history 🤩
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 24, 2024
Erin King writes her name into the history books as she becomes the first Irish woman to win an individual award#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/P2IRnNQ1Sn
The Sydney-born King, who moved to Blessington aged 12, has represented Ireland in Sevens since 2021, becoming an Olympian this summer before being called up to Scott Bemand's 15s side ahead of the autumn programme.
After making her debut as a replacement in the 36-10 win over Australia, King made a seismic impact off the bench against the Black Ferns, scoring two tries, including the late leveller, which teed up Dannah O'Brien's match-winning conversion.
She made her first start in the defeat to Canada the following week, before being named Player of the Match in the 26-14 win over USA, a result which capped a superb series for Bemand's side.
King claimed the Breakthrough player award, beating out competition from fellow nominees, England's Maddie Feaunati, Caitlyn Halse of Australia and New Zealand’s Hannah King.
