All Blacks star Ardie Savea has been honored as New Zealand’s best rugby player for the third time, following an impressive season marked by his 100th test cap and a pivotal role in Moana Pasifika’s remarkable Super Rugby campaign. At the New Zealand Rugby awards held on Thursday, Savea received the esteemed Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year award, adding to his previous accolades from 2019 and 2023.
The 32-year-old loose forward has established himself as a dominant force in rugby, previously claiming the World Rugby Player of the Year title in 2023. He also won the inaugural Super Rugby Player of the Year award in May, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the sport while still having two rounds of the season remaining.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson praised Savea’s unmatched consistency and remarkable leadership qualities. “Ardie has a level of consistency that is unmatched, and his three awards tonight demonstrate that,” Robinson stated. He emphasized Savea’s ability to continuously raise the standard for individual performance and his inspirational presence that earns him great respect both in New Zealand and internationally.
In addition to Savea’s achievements, teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee was recognized as the Black Ferns Player of the Year and the New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year after being named World Rugby’s Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2025. The recognition of both Savea and Sorensen-McGee highlights a positive trend in New Zealand rugby, showcasing the talents and potential of players across all age groups and genders.
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