Rugby: Cane a firm favourite of fans

Rotorua's Sam Cane (right) cleaned up at the 2015 Chiefs Awards. Photo / File

Chiefs loose forward Sam Cane cleaned up at the 2015 Chiefs Awards at SkyCity in Hamilton on Monday night.

In front of sponsors, families and friends Cane made a clean sweep collecting the Chiefs Player of the Year as voted by the fans, the Chiefs Player of the Year as voted by the coaches, and the Players Player of the Year.

In his acceptance speeches, Cane acknowledged how important the fans are to the Chiefs. Two special groups of fans were invited as guests of honour to the awards evening, the Reed and Fakalelu families who have been long-term Chiefs fans and had attended every game for many years.

Chiefs Rookie of the Year as voted for by the players went to loose forward Michael Leitch.

He joked at being 26 and receiving Rookie of the Year but also paid tribute to young dynamic play maker Damian McKenzie who had impressed him this season.

One of the most prestigious awards, the Chiefs Mana Kotiate went to hooker Hika Elliot.

Chiefs captain Liam Messam presented the award to a visibly humbled Elliot. In a new initiative, current staff member, former Chiefs CEO and founding member of the Chiefs, Don Shergold was presented with the Chiefs Tohunga Award.

It is the first Chiefs lifetime award to have been presented and was a fitting tribute to a man who has been part of the Chiefs for 20 years. Mr Shergold was presented with a special Chiefs blazer by Chiefs manager Stu Williams and Chiefs chairman Dallas Fisher.