Yarrows Taranaki Bulls hooker Ricky Riccitelli was named the player of the year at the Amber and Black Awards held at the Star Gym last night.

The 23-year-old was commended for his outstanding performances during the Mitre 10 Cup season which saw him play nine matches during the campaign.

Fellow front row team mate and new All Black Reuben O’Neill was awarded with the forward of the year and departing midfielder Seta Tamanivalu was given the back of the year title.

Loose forward Jesse Parete won the most promising player award for the Bulls.

Midfielder Utumalama Atonio was the player of the year for the Port Taranaki Whio with captain Jalana Smith and fullback Jesse Aitken-Fowell receiving the forward and back of the year awards respectively.

The Port Taranaki Whio’s most promising player was wing Elle Johns.

Shaan Waite won the AICA Development player of the year and Inglewood’s Jack White won the CMK club player of the year.

The New Plymouth Old Boys’ coaching staff, comprising of Michael Carr, Phil Mitchell, Kelvin McDowell and Rikki Hoeata, picked up the CMK coach of the year due to their championship winning season.

Liam Blyde and Aitken-Fowell picked up the CMK men’s and Port Taranaki women’s sevens players of the year titles.   

During a tough year with the challenges at Yarrow Stadium, Taranaki Rugby’s Commercial Manager Geoff Hitchcock was awarded with the Peter Crawford Trophy for Dedication of Services.

A total of 26 awards were presented during the evening across a range of different categories celebrating Taranaki rugby’s success.

2018 Amber and Black Award winners:

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Player of the Year: Ricky Riccitelli

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Most Promising Player: Jesse Parete

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Forward of the Year: Reuben O’Neill

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Back of the Year: Seta Tamanivalu

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Sportsman of the Year (Players Player): Teihorangi Walden

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Try of the Year: Seta Tamanivalu vs Auckland

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Top Points Scorer: Beaudein Waaka (91 points)

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Top Try Scorers: Beaudein Waaka and Manasa Matele (four tries)

Port Taranaki Whio Player of the Year: Utumalama Atonio

Port Taranaki Whio Forward of the Year: Jalana Smith

Port Taranaki Whio Back of the Year: Jessie Aitken-Fowell

Port Taranaki Whio Most Promising Player: Elle Johns

Port Taranaki Whio Sportsperson of the Year: Nattie Haupapa

AICA Development Player of the Year: Shaan Waite

AICA Development Most Promising Player of the Year: Jack White

CMK Taranaki U19s Player of the Year: Tevita Fa’ukafa

CMK Taranaki U19s Most Promising Player: Toby Burkett

Port Taranaki Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Jessie Aitken-Fowell

CMK Taranaki Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Liam Blyde

The Roger Urbahn Memorial Trophy (best and fairest U18 player): Blair Murray (NPBHS)

CMK Club Player of the Year: Jack White (Inglewood)

CMK Club Rugby Coach of the Year: Michael Carr, Phil Mitchell, Kelvin McDowell and Rikki Hoeata

IVHQ Taranaki Rugby Volunteer of the Year: Steven Webling (Spotswood United)

IVHQ Taranaki Rugby Junior Volunteer of the Year: Lisa Appert

Taranaki Rugby Personality of the Year Award: Adam Hay

Peter Crawford Trophy for Dedication of Services: Geoff Hitchcock

Article added: Thursday 18 October 2018