Rugby in the Canterbury region was celebrated on Tuesday night at the annual Canterbury Rugby Awards evening held at Sixty6 on Peterborough in the central city. 

In total, 10 awards were presented, from the Volunteer of the Year award through to our red and black representative sides. Award winners included Luke Romano, who was named the Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year, and Olivia McGoverne, who was presented the Women's Player of the Year award.

As well as the formal awards for the evening, five Mitre 10 Cup players who achieved their blazer game (12 games) for Canterbury in 2018 were also acknowledged; Hamish Dalzell, Brett Cameron, Josh McKay, Braydon Ennor and Caleb Makene. From the Farah Palmer Cup side, Becky Davidson, Cassie Siataga, Chelsea Bremner, Grace Brooker, Lucy Jenkins, Melanie Puckett, Nina Poletti, Taylor Curtis, TeRauoriwa Gapper and Catriona Greenslade were all acknowledged for having played their tenth match for the red and blacks this season. 

A special presentation was also made by CRFU Chairman Pete Winchester, to former Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach, who served as Canterbury Rugby Chief Executive for 16 years. 

CRFU 2018 award winners:

Volunteer of the Year Award  - Graeme Inch

Graeme Inch has contributed to the game of rugby in many ways, including time as a player, referee and administrator.  Currently, Graeme is the Chairman of the Canterbury Rugby Sub Unions - a position that he was elected to following seven years on the CRSU executive.  During this time and beyond Graeme has been also been the President and Vice -President of the North Canterbury Rugby Sub Union and continues to attend all meetings. Graeme has also contributed immensely to the development of referees in North Canterbury, following 18 years as a referee where he refereed 113 Division 1 games. Graeme is currently an active member of the North Canterbury Referees coaching group. 

Men’s Sevens Player of the Year - Inoke Rasabale

From the Marist Albion Club, Inoke was selected for higher honours after a smart Club Spring Sevens Series as player/coach, leading Marist Albion through the series undefeated. Inoke has been part of the team for three seasons after a move from a very successful Wellington programme. He was the team's Vice- Captain and scored 75 points (including three tries) during the men's sevens campaign. He led from the front at all times on and off the field.

Women’s Sevens Player of the Year – Rebecca Todd

Rebecca Todd captained the Women’s sevens team for 2018 Nationals and led by example on and off the field. Her point of difference was her ability to think outside of the box and always think critically about how the team could improve. She has high standards towards training with intent, and always puts in 100% effort. With a young team, Rebecca did an outstanding job of always striving to be better and challenging her team mates to do the same. 

Canterbury Under 19 Player of the Year – Dallas McLeod

Following a strong club season with Christchurch, Dallas McLeod had a stand out year for the Canterbury Under 19s in 2018. McLeod was part of an inspirational leadership group. He brought some real stability and flair to the back line and used the experience he gained from being a member of the 2017 Under 19 team to help guide the team all the way to the National Under 19 Championship Final in Taupo last month.

Canterbury Maori Player of the Year – Sean Forster

A quiet and observant member of the Waitaha Rugby Team, Sean has constantly let his actions on the field do the talking for him. His high work rate, 100% commitment, and ability to lead from the front on the field has led to Sean developing as an important leader for the team. Sean has a big future in the game.

Canterbury B Player of the Year – Matt James

Matt has had an outstanding campaign, he’s a versatile player who has had to cover all three loose forward roles in the team's season. Matt was prominent over the ball in the contact areas and looked very comfortable out on the edge where he often found lots of space to exercise his speed. Matt demonstrated the discipline to fulfil his core responsibilities within the team systems, while at the same time he used his athleticism to regularly make a dynamic impact in all of the games he was involved in. Matt’s unassuming nature is an endearing quality that makes him popular amongst his playing peers and management alike.

Canterbury Women's Most Promising Player - Greer O'Rourke

Greer was originally selected in the wider group for 2018. After impressing with her actions in the first few weeks of training, Greer put pressure on the coaching staff to give her a shot and was given an opportunity to start against Waikato in week three of the Farah Palmer Cup. Her work rate around the field is excellent along with her hard hitting approach on defence. Her lineout work has also come a long way in a short space of time. 

Canterbury Rugby Canterbury A First Year Player – Tom Christie

Tom is a product of Shirley Boys’ High School, and has played two seasons for the Canterbury Under 19 team, captaining them in his final year. Over the same period Tom also played for the NZ Under 20’s team, winning the World Cup in 2017 and captaining the side in this year’s World Cup tournament. Tom has played nine games for Canterbury in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup and has impressed with his performances to date. There is no doubt he has an exciting future in the red and black jersey ahead of him.

Canterbury Rugby Women's Player of the Year – Olivia McGoverne

Liv has gone from strength to strength this season. She has undoubtedly been the form fullback in the Farah Palmer Cup. Liv’s ability to create opportunities and finish off has been second to none. She provides real excitement in the backline and her willingness to push herself has been outstanding. Her strong carries on counter attack, coupled with her decision-making has been a real asset to the 2018 team.  

Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year – Luke Romano

Luke has excelled in the Canterbury jersey this season. Leading from the front, he has set game intensity on the field, as seen in his powerful runs on attack, and physicality on defence. As Vice-Captain, Luke has also provided valued on-field support and experience to Captains’ Mitch & Whetukamokamo.  Luke also sits high on the Duane Monkley medal table for most valuable player in the Mitre 10 Cup competition this year. His leadership off the paddock has been immense, and he has been a great Canterbury man and mentor to the younger players in the team.

Article added: Friday 19 October 2018