Nov 26,2024
Women's Breakthrough Player of the Year Erin King says it's a surreal feeling to land such a prestigious award after a "whirlwind" 2024.
The 21-year-old was honoured at the World Rugby awards in Monaco last night to become the first Irish female player to win an individual award.
Sydney-born King, who moved to Blessington aged 12, has represented Ireland at Sevens level since 2021 and became an Olympian at this summer’s Paris Games.
Following her exploits in France she was drafted into Scott Bemand's 15s side two weeks before the autumn programme.
King’s displays in September’s WXV1 tournament served notice of her ability.
After making her debut as a replacement in a win over Australia, King made a seismic impact off the bench against the Black Ferns, scoring two tries in a memorable 29-27 victory.
A first start followed against Canada before scooping the player of the match award against USA.
"It means everything. I have been working hard for the last four years, a lot of unseen work, just striving to get better and better.
"I got the opportunity to play with the 15s while they were on the up and they really set me up to succeed.
"I only had two weeks in camp and they guided me and got me ready to go."
Reflecting on a "whirlwind" year, King says the victory over the Black Ferns was a day she will never forget.
While Sevens duties are the immediate focus – King travels to Dubai today for the start of the World Series next weekend before linking back in with the 15s squad for the Six Nations – she is adamant that women’s rugby in Ireland is on the right trajectory.
"The girls have been putting the work in for last few years, and maybe haven’t been getting the rewards they deserve," she said. "They’re finally reaping the rewards now.
"This is only the start. The country has only seen a glimmer of what we can do. The sky is the limit for this team heading into the World Cup next year."
Watch Ulster v Leinster in the URC on Friday from 7.20pm on RTÉ Player
Watch Connacht v Bulls in the URC on Saturday from 5pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player
