Demant-strably a winner

Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant scooped three major prizes at the NZ Rugby awards, including the supreme Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year last night.

First five-eighth Demant, who led the Black Ferns to the defence of their World Cup title when they beat England 34-31 in the final in Auckland last month, became only the third woman to win the Tremain award, which is awarded to New Zealand’s best player each season. She joins Black Ferns team-mates Sarah Hirini and Kendra Cocksedge.

In addition Demant was named Black Ferns Player of the Year, and Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year.

Demant and her Black Ferns teammates were also recognised for a remarkable turnaround in form, having lost four tests to England and France late last year, to be bestowed with the New Zealand Team of the Year award.

NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson praised the Black Ferns for overcoming the odds to beat tournament favourites England in the final at a packed-out Eden Park.

‘‘Ruahei and the Black Ferns team have epitomised the values of our game in 2022,’’ Robinson said.

Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith capped off a memorable season for the women’s game by receiving the New Zealand Coach of the Year award.

No 8 Ardie Savea was rewarded for his consistent performances to be bestowed with the All Blacks Player of the Year award for the second year

running. Ngarohi McGarveyBlack and Michaela Blyde won the Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year, and Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year awards.

The Canterbury region featured heavily, with Crusaders fullback Will Jordan named Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson winning the National Men’s Coach of the Year, after guiding the team to another title.

Robertson was picked ahead of Wellington’s Leo Crowley and South Canterbury’s Nigel Walsh. All Blacks coach Ian Foster was not nominated after a bumpy season that included a 2-1 series loss to Ireland and a first-ever defeat to Argentina in New Zealand.

Following an outstanding season the Wellington Lions were awarded the National Men’s Team of the Year award, having secured the NPC title and the

Ranfurly Shield.

Canterbury won the National Women’s Team of the Year after winning the Farah Palmer Cup.

North Harbour first-five eighth Bryn Gatland claimed the Duane Monkley Medal as the NPC’s best player.

Ngāti Porou East Coast halfback Sam Parkes received the Ian Kirkpatrick Medal for outstanding contribution on behalf of professional players both on and off the field.