Canterbury Rugby and Crusaders congratulate awards winners
Last night’s Canterbury Rugby Awards evening was a celebration of success in the Canterbury and Crusaders region. The annual event at Horncastle Arena is to recognise and reward the hard work of many of those involved with rugby in this region, from players and coaches to volunteers and across a number of representative teams.
Canterbury Rugby and Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said it was a superb evening and great to see some of the region’s top and emerging talent recognised.
“There were obviously some ups and downs over the year, but overall we have finished the year in good heart. We have some incredible talent in this region, including winners of the World Rugby Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year in Dan Carter and Kendra Cocksedge, the ITM Cup winning Canterbury team and our Jock Hobbs Memorial Under 19 champions,” Mr Riach said. “There are many more people who have contributed to the success of rugby here in various ways and, while we could not possibly individually acknowledge them all, last night was an opportunity to collectively thank all of those involved.”
“There were also some sad moments last night as we remembered all of those who we have lost in our rugby community this year. Norm Berryman was the first Crusader to have passed away earlier this year and a teammate and friend to many who were in the room; the recent and sudden loss of Ashley Club stalwart Andrew Dunbar is still being keenly felt by all of those who knew him; and our 2015 Volunteer of the Year, Derek Burrell, sadly passed away just two weeks earlier so had his award collected by his wife and son. We are a tight knit rugby community so when we lose someone who has contributed so much we all feel it,” Mr Riach said.
“Last night was a wonderful opportunity for so many of those involved with Canterbury Rugby and the Crusaders, whether they be the players, coaches, staff, sponsors or volunteers, to get together, share some memories, and enjoy an evening of celebration and reflection on the 2015 year.”
2015 CANTERBURY RUGBY AWARDS RECIPIENTS:
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Canterbury Rugby Football Union Volunteer Trophy
Winner: Derek Burrell
Outstanding Off-field Achievement Award
Pat Vincent Award
Winner: Luke Whitelock
Academy Player Award
Frank Creighton Trophy
Winner: Mitchell Dunshea
Men’s Sevens Player of the Year Award
Winner: Matt James
Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Award
Winner: Zoey Berry
Under 19 Player of the Year Award
Dennis Young Trophy
Winner: Anty Burnett
Colt Player of the Year
The WD Johnstone Memorial Trophy
Winner: Sam Godwin
Women’s Player of the Year
The Townsend Trophy
Winner: Alana Bremner
Maori Player of the Year Award
Canterbury Maori Trophy
Winner: Henare Faithful
Most Improved Crusader Award
Winner: Mitchell Drummond
Crusaders Rookie of the Year
Winner: David Havili
Crusaders Player of the Year Award
Winner: Samuel Whitelock
The ITM Cup First Year Player Award
Merivale-Papanui Trophy
Winner: Mitchell Dunshea
Players Team Player of the Year Award
Winner: Tom Taylor
The Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Canterbury Player of the Year Award
Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year Trophy
Winner: Ryan Crotty
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