Ardie Savea Dominates New Zealand Rugby Awards with Multiple Wins

At the New Zealand Rugby Awards, Ardie Savea delivered an impressive performance, securing the prestigious titles of Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year and All Blacks Player of the Year. This recognition came shortly after he celebrated his 100th Test match, marking a significant milestone in his career. Savea’s exceptional season with Moana Pasifika also earned him the title of Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year.

Mark Robinson, the CEO of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), praised Savea’s consistent excellence, stating, “He keeps raising the bar for what’s possible on an individual level, and brings his inspirational leadership to every environment. He is massively respected domestically and internationally.”

Rising Stars Shine at the Awards

In addition to Savea’s accolades, Braxton Sorensen-McGee had a remarkable debut year, winning three awards. The 19-year-old was honored as World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year, in addition to being named Black Ferns Player of the Year and New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year. Her achievements highlight a promising future for women’s rugby in New Zealand.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe also celebrated significant victories, taking home the Super Rugby Aupiki Player of the Year and the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year awards. These honors recognize her outstanding on-field performance and her role as a role model for Māori within the sport.

Team and Coaching Awards Recognized

The Black Ferns Sevens team received dual recognition as Team of the Year, with Cory Sweeney named Coach of the Year for the sixth time. The achievements of the team underscore the growing prominence of women’s rugby on the international stage.

In the men’s category, Rob Penney and Willie Walker were acknowledged as the respective Coaches of the Year for the men’s and women’s divisions. Additionally, Maggie Cogger-Orr made history by being named Referee of the Year for the first time, showcasing the diverse talents within the sport.

Here is a complete list of the major award winners:

• Fans Try of the Year: Matt Fleming (Westlake Boys High School)
• Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year: Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika)
• Super Rugby Aupiki Player of the Year: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (Blues)
• Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year: Tone Ng Shiu
• Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year: Jorja Miller
• New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year: Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Auckland)
• Rugby Club of the Year: Waimate Rugby Football Club (South Canterbury)
• Charles Monro Volunteer of the Year: Jodi Taylor (Strath Taieri Rugby Club, Otago)
• Community Impact Award: Peter Hastings (Bay of Plenty)
• Duane Monkley Medal (NPC Player of the Year): Josh Jacomb (Taranaki)
• Fiao’o Faamausili Medal (Farah Palmer Cup Player of the Year): Taufa Bason (Auckland)
• Ian Kirkpatrick Medal (Heartland Championship Player of the Year): Keanu Taumata (Poverty Bay)
• New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year: Maggie Cogger-Orr (Auckland)
• Men’s Coach of the Year: Rob Penney (Crusaders)
• Men’s Team of the Year: Crusaders
• Women’s Coach of the Year: Willie Walker
• Women’s Team of the Year: Blues
• New Zealand Coach of the Year: Cory Sweeney
• Team of the Year: Black Ferns Sevens
• Māori Player of the Year: Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
• All Blacks Player of the Year: Ardie Savea
• Black Ferns Player of the Year: Braxton Sorensen-McGee
• Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year: Ardie Savea

The New Zealand Rugby Awards not only celebrated individual excellence but also highlighted the collective achievements of teams and communities, reinforcing the sport’s deep roots in the country.