Rugby's night of glamour: Players and partners hit the red carpet at the NZ Rugby Awards

NZ Herald

14 Dec, 2017 08:30 PM2 mins to read

Black Ferns (L-R) Les Ketu, Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Linda Itunu at the NZ Rugby Awards. Photosport

It was New Zealand Rugby's night of nights as the best players around the country attended the NZR Awards.

Image 1 of 19: All Blacks Sam Whitelock and partner. Photosport [Click the enlarge button for best view].

The Black Ferns dominated the night. A fifth World Cup crown received global recognition with World Rugby's team of the year gong for the first time, and that success was backed up with a sweep at the awards.

The Black Ferns took out the team, coach and try of the year gongs, with Glenn Moore edging out rookie Crusaders mentor Scott Robertson, and Portia Woodman's stunning solo effort in the World Cup semifinal victory over USA rightly recognised.

Sam Whitelock did the double to take home the Super Rugby and overall Kelvin R Tremain Memorial player of the year awards, beating out star wing Rieko Ioane, the All Blacks' equal top points scorer in the Rugby Championship, and Black Ferns loose forward and sevens skipper Sarah Goss.

2017 Rugby Awards winners
Fan's Try of the Year:

Portia Woodman (Black Ferns)

NZRPA Kirk Award: DJ Forbes

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year: Sid Tatana (Wairarapa Bush)

New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year: Ben O'Keeffe (Wellington)

New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year: Asafo Aumua (Wellington)