Rugby: All Blacks captain Sam Cane, Black Ferns Sevens dominate New Zealand Rugby Awards

Sam Cane has received double recognition at the New Zealand Rugby Awards, while the Black Ferns Sevens’ dominance on the world stage was recognized once again in 2020.

The Ferns secured a New Zealand team of the year title hat-trick to once again top the All Blacks, with Cane claiming the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial honor as overall player of the year and the All Black title of the year.

Cane played all six Trials with distinction in his challenging debut season as captain of the All Blacks, leading the team to a record 50 percent win that included blocking the Bledisloe Cup and Three Nations titles.

By winning both awards, Cane was selected ahead of Aaron Smith and Dane Coles.

Black Ferns Sevens coaches Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney were crowned Coaches of the Year in New Zealand after winning the same category in 2019.

Scott Robertson won the National Coach of the Year gong for the second year in a row after plotting the Crusaders Super Rugby Aotearoa title win, with the first five eighth Richie Mo’unga proclaiming the Super Rugby Player of the Year.

The national team of the year was awarded to Tasman for his efforts to defend the Miter 10 Cup Premiership title against Auckland.

Legendary rugby icon Sir Bryan Williams claimed this year’s Steinlager Salver, New Zealand’s rugby tradition of recognizing an outstanding contribution to the game.

Williams is a rugby front man, having contributed as a player, coach and manager for more than 50 years, his commitment previously recognized as a 2018 World Rugby Hall of Famer and Knight.

More recently, Williams has been a key figure behind the Moana Pasifika team.

New Zealand’s Maori captain, the Highlanders, and Hawke’s Bay hooker Ash Dixon was recognized for his outstanding season by claiming the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year, while his Hawke’s Bay running back Folau Fakatava received the Duane Monkley medal for the best Miter player. 10 cups.

Canterbury running back Kendra Cocksedge received the Fiao’o Faamausili Medal as a Farah Palmer Cup player, while Waikato captain and midfielder Chelsea Alley was awarded the Black Ferns Player of the Year.

World Series winning captain Scott Curry received player of the year at the Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens, while Stacey Fluhler won the player of the year award at the Black Ferns Sevens. Both players had previously been recognized by World Rugby and selected in the ‘Dream Teams’ season.

The NZRPA Kirk Award was presented to former All Blacks running back Andy Ellis for his contributions to the game off the field. Ellis has a broad resume since retiring, working tirelessly to support and develop current players with his activities outside of rugby.

Referee Paul Williams won the New Zealand Referee of the Year award for the second year in a row. With Covid-19 restrictions in place, Williams became the first New Zealand referee to control an All Blacks game in 40 years when he refereed the All Blacks against Australia in Wellington in October.

Waikanae Rugby Club Junior Coordinator Jane Chamberlain was recognized with the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year Award, nominated by her union Horowhenua Kapiti.

Sky’s fan attempt of the year, decided by public vote, went to Christ’s College’s Jack Jones. The reserve pillar’s effort to get under the posts was celebrated by his team and an exuberant crowd at the annual game against Christchurch Boys’ High School.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson congratulated all award winners.

“It has been a difficult year, but tonight has been a great reminder that there is still so much to celebrate,” Robinson said.

“It’s great to see Sir Bryan recognized for his monumental contribution to the game, both on and off the field, with Steinlager Salver. He is a truly worthy receiver.

“Sam Cane was a formidable leader in 2020 and performed admirably in the black jersey, while Ash Dixon was a force in every jersey he donned this year.

“The Black Ferns Sevens continue to set the standard with their performances, and we look forward to seeing what they and the All Blacks Sevens can accomplish next year.

“Congratulations to all of the winners tonight, they deserve their accolades and we welcome them to the history books.”

NZ Rugby Award Winners

Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year: Sam Cane
Black Ferns Player of the Year: Chelsea Alley
All Blacks Player of the Year: Sam Cane
New Zealand Team of the Year: Black Ferns Sevens
Super Rugby Player of the Year: Richie Mo’unga
Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year: Ash Dixon
Steinlager Tray: Sir Bryan Williams
Duane Monkley Medal (Miter 10 Cup Player of the Year): Folau Fakatava
Fiao’o Faamausili Medal (Farah Palmer Cup Player of the Year): Kendra Cocksedge
National Coach of the Year: Scott Robertson
New Zealand Coach of the Year: Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney
Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year: Scott Curry
Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year: Stacey Fluhler
National Team of the Year: Tasman
Sky TV Fans Try of the Year: Jack Jones
Referee of the Year: Paul Williams
Charles Monro Volunteer of the Year: Jane Chamberlain
NZRPA Kirk Award: Andy Ellis