Super Rugby Pacific has confirmed they will recognise the competition’s most outstanding player this season with the presentation of the inaugural Player of the Year Award.
The award will be voted on by the respective coaches and captains of the 11 Super Rugby clubs.
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After each game, the captain and coach from both sides will be asked for their top three players from the opposing side on a 3-2-1 scale.
These votes will be public every Tuesday on the competition’s social media, with the winner crowned at the end of the regular season.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Measley believes the initiative will help grow interest in the performance of individuals whilst increasing the recognition of standout performances.
“While the excellence of our athletes has always been recognised by the respective national unions, there has never been a competition-led awards program,” he said.
“This year we take a significant first step towards that goal with the introduction of the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Award for 2025.
“With the votes published on Super Rugby Pacific channels after every round, we look forward to engaging with our fans as the leaderboard evolves through the season, and seeing the robust discussions it will no doubt generate.”
In previous years, awards for Super Rugby Pacific have been handed out by Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby to the best Australian and New Zealand players respectively.
Queensland Reds flanker Fraser McReight claimed back-to-back awards as the Australian Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year at the Rugby Australia Awards in October.
Meanwhile, Blues flanker Hoskins Sotutu won the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year during the 2024 NZ Rugby Awards in December.
He bested Blues team-mate Harry Plummer, Chiefs flyhalf Damian McKenzie and Hurricanes midfielder Billy Proctor.
