The 22-year-old loose forward was named the men’s world breakthrough player of the year, recognizing his exceptional debut season for the All Blacks.
He triumphed over tough competition from South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, and Ireland’s Jamie Osborne.
South African flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit clinched the men’s world player of the year award for the second time, adding to his previous win after the Springboks’ World Cup victory in 2019.
Du Toit now joins the elite company of New Zealand’s Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Beauden Barrett as the only players to have won the award multiple times, though McCaw and Carter each have three wins to their name.
England’s fullback Ellie Kildunne secured the women’s player of the year title, marking her first win of the prestigious award.
New Zealand also made its mark in the Dream Team of the Year selection.
Georgia Ponsonby (hooker), Katelyn Vahaakolo (wing), and Sylvia Brunt (centre) were chosen for the women’s team.
On the men’s side, Tyrel Lomax (prop), Damian McKenzie (first five), and Will Jordan (fullback) all earned spots in the Dream Team.
Michaela Blyde and Jorja Miller were honored in the women’s sevens team lineup.
Former Otago and All Blacks halfback Chris Laidlaw and New Zealand sevens legend DJ Forbes were both inducted into the Hall of Fame.
– APL
