The Ioane family won three awards between them, but Sean Polwart's gong was among the most popular as the Auckland Rugby Union celebrated its 2015 season at last night's awards at Eden Park.
There was no surprise, despite the compelling credentials of George Moala, that No 8 Akira Ioane won the ITM Cup player of the year honour after some standout rugby (and stats) for the Premiership finalists, nor that his equally talented younger brother Rieko won the club rookie of the year - there has not been a more devastating entry into premier rugby since Va'aiga Tuigamala, fresh out of Kelston Boys' High School, started laying waste to defences in 1988 for Ponsonby - and the Under 19 player of the year. Both Ioanes will carry their talents to the Blues (and sevens) in 2016.
Polwart, the 25-year-old loose forward cum defence coach, won the Sir Fred Allen supreme award for his selflessness in taking on coaching duties to good effect, despite the personal disappointment of not being able to shake concussion symptoms which prevented him having a chance to defend his 2014 award as Auckland's MVP. He made a speech from the heart, as did Auckland coach Paul Feeney, with a touch of the amusing thrown in. Polwart has missed a Super Rugby contract, and while his playing future remains under a cloud, the respect with which he is accorded by his peers and true rugby people is clear.
Brian Wilsher, a top administrator, now on the Blues board, with strong ties to the Pakuranga club and a Barbarians member, won the Ash Edwards Memorial Trophy for his dedication to the game.
Black Ferns loose forward Linda Itunu won the Storm player of the year for a team that continues to set the standard in the New Zealand women's game, annexing their 15th provincial title in the last 16 attempts.
