Ardie Savea crowned New Zealand’s best rugby player

All Blacks star Ardie Savea dominated the New Zealand Rugby Awards, being named the country’s top player for 2025.

The 32-year-old, who marked his 100th Test this season, collected the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year, All Blacks Player of the Year and Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year awards. His leadership and consistent performances for both club and country were central to his clean sweep.

Teenage sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee continued her remarkable rise, adding two major national awards to her debut-year accolades.

The 19-year-old was recognised as Black Ferns Player of the Year and New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year, following an impressive season that also earned her global recognition.

Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was another standout, winning Super Rugby Aupiki Player of the Year and, for the first time, the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year award, honouring both her elite performance and influence within Maori rugby.

The Black Ferns Sevens team and their coach Cory Sweeney claimed Team and Coach of the Year, repeating their success from the previous season. Jorja Miller was named Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year, while new All Blacks Sevens captain Tone Ng Shiu took home the top men’s sevens award.

At provincial level, standout performers were honoured across NPC, Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship competitions, including Josh Jacomb, Taufa Bason and Keanu Taumata. Former internationals Samuel Whitelock and Les Elder received the NZRPA Kirk Award for their service to players, while Westlake Boys High School’s Matt Fleming won Fans’ Try of the Year.