Ardie Savea Dominates at New Zealand Rugby Awards, Multiple Honors Earned

New Zealand Rugby’s annual awards celebrated exceptional talent on October 7, 2023, with Ardie Savea taking center stage. He was recognized with the prestigious Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year and All Blacks Player of the Year titles. This recognition comes on the heels of a remarkable season where he not only reached his 100th Test match but also showcased his skills with Moana Pasifika. Savea’s consistent performance earned him the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award as well.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Chief Executive Officer Mark Robinson praised Savea for his unmatched consistency and leadership. “He keeps raising the bar for what’s possible on an individual level and brings his inspirational leadership to every environment,” Robinson stated. Savea is highly respected in both domestic and international rugby circles.

The awards also highlighted the achievements of emerging stars. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, at just 19 years old, had an outstanding debut year. She was named the Black Ferns Player of the Year and the New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year, following her earlier recognition as World Rugby’s Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year.

Another standout, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, received multiple accolades, including Super Rugby Aupiki Player of the Year and the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year. Her recognition underscores her exceptional on-field performance and her role as a role model for Māori in rugby.

The Black Ferns Sevens team was honored as both Team of the Year and Coach of the Year, with Cory Sweeney earning the coaching accolade for the sixth time. The awards also acknowledged the contributions of Rob Penney and Willie Walker, named Men’s and Women’s Coach of the Year respectively. Maggie Cogger-Orr was celebrated as Referee of the Year for the first time.

The complete list of awards includes:

– 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 (Bunnings Warehouse NPC Player of the Year): Josh Jacomb (Taranaki)
– Fiao’o Faamausili Medal (Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse Player of the Year): Taufa Bason (Auckland)
– Ian Kirkpatrick Medal (Bunnings Warehouse 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 (Ngāpuhi/Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa/Ngāti Porou)
– 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 illuminate the outstanding talent and achievements in the sport, showcasing the dedication and passion of players and coaches alike.