Hannah King Nominated for Global Award

Matatū’s Hannah King could be named the 2024 Queen of women’s rugby breakthroughs! 

This week, World Rugby announced their nominations for the prestigious World Rugby Awards. Matatū’s newest signing, Canterbury born, Hannah King’s name is shining bright as one of the four nominated for the Women’s 15’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.  

Having been notified by World Rugby of the nomination two weeks ago under strict confidentiality, Hannah says she still hasn’t properly processed the news “I read the email and thought ‘what on earth is this, this has to be a joke,’ I was honestly speechless”.  

Now the news is out, Hannah’s phone has understandably been nonstop with congratulatory messages from proud family and friends, “I woke up before training to all these text messages, I have just been trying to reply to everyone!”  

Hannah praised those close to her in helping her get to achieve her dreams, “I really want to thank my team mates and coaches and everyone else who has helped me on my journey so far,” she said “my team mates are such special people and such good friends, they are the ones that make you better each game. And all my previous coaches for believing in me and giving me the confidence to go out there and have some fun”.  

The award is open to all Women’s 15’s international rugby players who have played less than one year of international rugby.  

Hannah’s first game in the Black Fern jersey was against USA in May, coming off the bench in the second half and successfully kicking two conversions towards their 57-5 win over the visitors. Now with seven international games under her belt, King has a total of 14 points.  

Hannah will travel with her Dad to the World Rugby Awards ceremony, which is held on 24 November in Monaco, and return to her first season of Matatū training in December.   

Hannah is up against fellow nominees Maddie Feaunati (ENG), Caitlyn Halse (AUS) and Erin King (IRE). Winners will be announced via the World Rugby social media channels (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube).