Ardie Savea has been honored with Moana Pasifika’s prestigious Moana Man of the Year award during the 2025 prizegiving ceremony held in Auckland on Tuesday evening. As the team’s captain, Savea played a pivotal role in leading Moana Pasifika to its most successful season to date, while also marking an impressive personal season. In addition to claiming the top honor, he was recognized as the Fans’ Player of the Year, underscoring his popularity and impact on the field.
A new star emerged in the form of Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, who not only won the Rookie of the Year award but also received the Tangaloa Award for Best Defensive Player. At just 21 years old, Tupou Ta’eiloa has established himself as a key player in the Super Rugby Pacific Competition, showcasing his skills as a loose forward with remarkable stats, including 192 carries which puts him at the top among competitors.
The awards ceremony also celebrated other significant contributors to the team’s success. Miracle Faiilagi and Kyren Taumoefolau were jointly awarded the Maui Award for Best Attacking Player, highlighting their contributions to Moana Pasifika’s scoring prowess, each scoring eight tries thus far in the competition.
Other individual awards included Melani Matavao, who received the Personal Development Award for his off-field growth, and Monu Moli, noted for his leadership and service as the recipient of the Tautua Award. The Moana Pasifika Under 20s Player of the Year was awarded to Jay Dunne, recognizing his vital role in the Under 20s Tournament.
The night also acknowledged player milestones, including Julian Savea reaching 300 first-class matches and both Sione Havili Talitui and Jonathan Taumateine celebrating their 50th Super Rugby games.
Reflecting on Savea’s ongoing contributions, fans have plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the future of Moana Pasifika. With strong leadership and emerging talent within the squad, the team is poised for continued growth and exciting performances in the seasons to come.
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