Rugby: Nonu named NZ player of the year

Ma'a Nonu on his way to the try line against Australia in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham in London. Photo Reuters

Ma'a Nonu, the man who was once unwanted by any New Zealand franchise, has added to his list of incredible achievements in 2015 by being named New Zealand's Player of the Year.

The block-busting midfielder, who returned to the Hurricanes in February before playing an integral role for the All Blacks at the World Cup, also won his 100th cap this year. His competition for the Kelvin Tremain award came from fellow All Blacks Daniel Carter, Dane Coles and Ben Smith.

Nonu, who is now in France with French club Toulon, has never previously been named New Zealand's Player of the Year. Carter, who was anointed World Player of the Year for the third time after the World Cup, was strongly fancied to take out the top award at a red carpet ceremony in Auckland.

However, the judging panel felt Nonu's form over the course of the year had to be acknowledged. His return to the Hurricanes, who fired him in 2011, brought the best out of himself and his teammates.

Renowned as Super Rugby's great under achievers, the Hurricanes were irresistible for much of the campaign and Nonu had a huge influence in that. His combination with Conrad Smith in the midfield gave the Hurricanes presence and direction and they reached the final for only the second time in their history.

Nonu's form with the All Blacks was equally, if not more impressive, and he delivered a handful of hugely influential performances. His running was direct and strong and he barely made a mistake.

His destruction of the Wallabies at Eden Park was spectacular and it was fitting that he scored a dynamic solo try in the World Cup final to put the All Blacks 21-3 ahead.

"I've really been humbled and grateful to be part of the All Blacks and representing my country," Nonu said by video message. "After thanking coaches and players, he had a special word for fans. Very grateful that you guys always supported me over the years and I thank you very much."

Perhaps, though, the true mark of how well he played was the continual presence of Sonny Bill Williams on the bench for the All Blacks. The big Chiefs midfielder hit top form himself at the World Cup but he couldn't budge Nonu out of the No 12 jersey.

Nonu can also take some credit in Nehe Milner-Skudder being named maori Player of the Year. Milner-Skudder was the beneficiary of Nonu's linebreaking at both the Hurricanes and All Blacks. Given just a hint of space, the 24-year-old Milner-Skudder was electric and one of the most exciting players in Super Rugby and at the World Cup.

Liam Sopoaga, who won his first test cap this year, picked up the SUper Rugby Player of the Year award to hearten everyone that the nation's stocks of first-fives are in good health. Long recognised as a promising talent, Sopoaga matured this year and focused on doing the basics more soundly.

In doing that, he became an instrumental part of the Highlanders unlikely Super Rugby title.

All Black coach Steve Hansen was named coach of the year -- an award he strangely didn't win in the World Rugby equivalent ceremony and George Moala picked up the award for the best player in the ITM Cup.

There was further good news for Auckland with Akira Ioane named as the age-grade player of the year. Ioane enjoyed a stunning debut season with the Blues before helping the New Zealand Under-20 win the Junior World Championship for the first time since 2011.

2015 Steinlager Rugby Awards winners

New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year: Akira Ioane (Auckland)

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteers of the Year: Tania Karaitiana and Vio Ugone (Wellington)

New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year: Glen Jackson (Bay of Plenty)

Pink Batts Heartland Championship Player of the Year: Lindsay Horrocks (Wanganui)

New Zealand Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year: Tyla Nathan-Wong (Auckland)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year: Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)

Sky Television Fans Try of the Year: Samu Kubunavanua (Wanganui)

ITM Cup Player of the Year: George Moala (Auckland)

Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year: Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders)

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year: Nehe Milner-Skudder (Ngati Porou/Tapuika)

New Zealand Rugby Women's Player of the Year: Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)