New zealand Rugby unveils Nominees for Prestigious 2025 Awards
Auckland, New Zealand - New Zealand Rugby today announced the nominees for its annual awards, recognizing outstanding achievements across all levels of the game. The awards span professional, community, and representative rugby, highlighting the dedication of players, coaches, referees, and volunteers. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony later this year.
These awards are a cornerstone of New Zealand’s rugby calendar, celebrating excellence and contribution to a sport deeply woven into the nation’s identity. The accolades acknowledge talent ranging from All Blacks and Black Ferns stars to grassroots heroes, impacting players, clubs, and communities nationwide. The outcomes will shape recognition for the 2024 season and inspire future generations of rugby participants.
Key Nominees Across Categories:
The prestigious All Blacks Player of the Year award sees fabian Holland, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea, and Quinn Tupaea vying for the title. in the women’s game, Jorja Miller, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Georgia Ponsonby, and Braxton Sorensen-McGee are nominated for black Ferns Player of the year.
Coaching talent is also recognized, with Marty Bourke, Mark Brown, and Rob Penney nominated for ASB National Men’s Coach of the Year, and Matt Direen, Reuben Samuel, and Willie Walker competing for ASB national Women’s Coach of the Year.
Referees are also in the spotlight, with Maggie Cogger-Orr, James Doleman, and Ben O’Keeffe nominated for New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year.
Team and Player Awards Across Competitions:
the adidas National Women’s Team of the Year nominees are the Blues,Otago Spirit,and Waikato. For the men, Canterbury, Crusaders, and Mid-Canterbury are in contention for the adidas National Men’s Team of the Year award.
Individual excellence in domestic competitions is also honored. Sam Darry, Folau Fakatava, and Josh Jacomb are nominated for the Duane Monkley Medal (Bunnings Warehouse NPC Player of the Year), while Taufa Bason, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, and holly Williams are finalists for the Fiao’o Faamausili Medal (Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse Player of the Year). Declan mccormack, Keanu Taumata, and Sam Walton-Sexton are nominated for the Ian Kirkpatrick Medal (Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship Player of the Year).
Community and Volunteer recognition:
Beyond the professional game,New Zealand Rugby acknowledges the vital contributions of volunteers and community leaders. Glen Devenie, Stacey Kobus, and Jodi Taylor are nominated for the Charles Monro Volunteer of the Year award. The Te Hapai Community Impact Award recognizes Cian Byrne-Hansen,Peter Hastings,and Sosoli Talawadua. Hunterville Rugby Football Club, Rangataua Sports and Cultural Club, and Waimate Rugby Football Club are nominated for Bunnings Warehouse Rugby Club of the Year.
Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year nominees include Kurt Eklund,Quinn Tupaea,and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
