Kaipo Olsen-Baker Makes Move to Matatū
Black Ferns and Hurricanes Poua number 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker has made the move down south to join Matatū for the 2024 season.
The hard-running 8 debuted for the Black Ferns in 2022 and will slot in to Matatū’s set up seamlessly as they look to defend their 2023 Aupiki title.
Speaking on her move, Olsen-Baker said one thing that enticed her about shifting was the opportunity to link up with Head Coach Whitney Hansen again, after their time together at the Black Ferns.
“Being in the environment that they have down there will really bring out the best in me and benefit my rugby. It also helps that me and Whitney have a bit of history and I know her coaching style will help me excel.”
Olsen-Baker brings a very physical style of rugby to the side, as she explained,
“I’d describe my style of play as aggressive. I like running the ball hard and I like tackling hard although off the field I’m a complete softy.”
Olsen-Baker breaks the Australian line on her way to scoring a debut try for the Black Ferns. Image: Getty
Head Coach Whitney Hansen believes she’s got a good one in Olsen-Baker as she looks to utilise her physical attributes and believes her ceiling as an athlete is very high,
“She’s a super unique athlete in terms of what she brings to the team, her explosive speed and power is amazing.”
“We’ve really only just seen the beginnings of what she can do and we’re excited at Matatū to help her grow and achieve what we know she’s capable of.”
“There really is no other 8 like her in the competition.”
Olsen-Baker is looking forward to settling in down in Christchurch and entrenching herself in the Matatū set-up.
“Aspirations for myself this season would be to first of all, feel at home with Matatu as this is my first season with them so I’m hoping to form heaps of new relationships with the team and staff. Another aspiration is to be the best version of myself coming into the Aupiki season and to only get better throughout the season. My aspirations for the team is to obviously win the competition but also for everyone to just enjoy playing rugby with each other.”