Waratahs star Harvey named Super Rugby Pacific Rookie of the Year, Tupaea claims Player of the Year

Wed, Jun 17, 2026, 8:49 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Sid Harvey's 69' Try in the NSW Waratahs clash with Moana Pasifika #SuperRugbyPacific

NSW Waratahs outside back Sid Harvey has been honoured for his brilliant debut season, named the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Rookie of the Year.

It comes as All Blacks and Chiefs star Quinn Tuapea claimed Player of the Year, besting Highlanders midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai on a countback.

Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Harvey (27 votes) was well clear of Highlanders back-rower Lucas Casey (18) after a successful transition from the Sevens program.

He finished fourth for points (98) despite only making his starting debut in Round Five, scoring six tries in his 10 starts.

Meanwhile, Tupaea and Tavatavanawai finished tied on 43 votes, with the Chiefs midfielder winning the tie-breaker with more ‘three votes’ nods from the independent media panel across the season.

Blues back-rower Anton Segner finished third (41), with Wallabies duo Max Jorgensen and Ben Donaldson (39) closely followed.

Jorgensen and Donaldson headline a steady group of Wallabies named in the Team of the Year, calculated off the back of the Player of the Year voting.

Donaldson is joined by Western Force teammate Jeremy Williams, who partners Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second-row.

Salakaia-Loto is one of three Reds in the team alongside Fraser McReight and Jock Campbell.

The Reds and Highlanders have the most nominees, with the Chiefs and Force the only other teams with multiple selections.

Ryan Lonergan is the lone Brumby in the team, with nine out of the 11 teams represented in the Team of the Year.

"Quinn Tupaea is a most deserving winner of the Player of the Year Award, having been one of the competition's most consistent star performers and playing a leading role in the success the Chiefs have enjoyed in 2026," Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.

"I would also like to congratulate Sid Harvey on becoming the inaugural Rookie of the Year. In his breakthrough season with the Waratahs we saw the skill and confidence to suggest he has a very bright future ahead of him.

"We're also delighted to announce the Team of the Year and for the first time formally recognise excellence across every position on the field. Our sincere congratulations to all the players who earned selection in 2026."

2026 Super Rugby Pacific Awards

Player of the Year

WINNER - Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs) - 43 votes

Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders) - 43 votes

Anton Segner (Blues) - 41 votes

Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs) - 39 votes

Ben Donaldson (Western Force) - 39 votes

Rookie of the Year

WINNER - Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs) - 27 votes

Lucas Casey (Highlanders) - 18 votes

Team of the Year

Props - Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Xavier Numia (Hurricanes)

Hooker - Samisoni Taukei'aho (Chiefs)

2nd Row - Jeremy Williams (Western Force), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds)

Back Row - Anton Segner (Blues), Leicester Fainga'anuku (Crusaders), Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds)

Scrum Half - Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies)

Fly Half - Ben Donaldson (Western Force)

Wingers - Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders)

Centres - Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders)

Fullback - Jock Campbell (Queensland Reds)

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