They were both named most valuable player for their team.
Va’afusuaga looks every bit a Black Fern in waiting following her performances for the Otago Spirit this season.
The 17-year-old St Hilda’s Collegiate student made her debut last season but firmly established herself in the run-on side this season with some stunning performances.
The power-packed fullback shifted to centre partway through the season and made an even bigger impact in the midfield.
She also offloaded the ball well.
Va’afusuaga, who has been selected for the national under-20 women’s development camp in Wellington next week, got the ball away in the tackle 17 times. Many of those led to tries.
Otago men’s captain Lio-Willie used his body like a battering ram. He smashed his way forward more than anyone else in the Otago side and more than just about everyone else in the competition.
The 26-year-old is a hard man to get to the ground.
Fearless loose forward Belle Rewiri-Wharerau was named Spirit forward of the year. She worked tirelessly on defence, notching 111 tackles.
First five Sheree Hume was named back of the year. The experienced player was a calm figure in the backline.
Loosie Zoe Frood was named players’ player and Vika Piukala picked up the award for the player who best represents the team’s values.
For the Otago men, hard-running midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen was named back of the year and mammoth prop Saula Ma’u picked up the forward of the year award.
There was some tight competition for the forward of the year award with blindside Oliver Haig and veteran hooker Liam Coltman, who won the players’ player award, making a compelling case as well.
Rookie of the year went to impressive openside flanker Lucas Casey while fullback Finn Hurley has a fan club in the stands — he was named members’ player of the year.
