Just one of the nominees for the New Zealand Rugby Football Union's top award will tour with the All Blacks in the coming weeks.
Auckland and All Black wing Doug Howlett was named among the three finalists for the Kel Tremain Memorial Trophy, for player of the year, to be decided at the awards dinner in Auckland tonight.
The other finalists are Canterbury flanker Richard McCaw and lock Chris Jack, who are both among a long list of players missing the tour to rest and recuperate after a long season.
Finalists for the NPC division one player of the year award are Auckland first five-eighths Carlos Spencer, Waikato midfield back Keith Lowen and Wellington loose forward Rodney So'oialo.
The awards judges could not narrow down the contenders for team of the year award to fewer than five, so the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Crusaders, NZ Sevens and NZ under-19 sides are all finalists.
The thousands of volunteers who work with rugby teams, clubs, provinces and schools around New Zealand will also be acknowledged, with the inclusion of a volunteer of the year award.
The country's provincial unions each nominated three volunteers and these were whittled down to three finalists - Paul Clegg and John George, of Taranaki, and Barry Wilson, of Waikato.
- NZPA
Only one nominee makes All Blacks
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.