Harmon was named most valuable player for the 2023 campaign at an event at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.
The classy openside flanker has been in outstanding form all year and an ever-present next to a rotating cast of locks and fellow loose forwards.
He has not yet played a test, but his call-up as injury cover on the end-of-year tour, and the rather unusual decision by the All Blacks to make him take a rest week earlier this season, indicate he is well in the frame.
Harmon, fourth in Super Rugby with 14.7 tackles per game, was also named the Highlanders’ defender of the year, and picked up the players’ player award.
Sam Gilbert, who has comfortably had his best Highlanders season, playing multiple positions and kicking superbly at goal, was named back of the year and fan player of the year.
Prop Jermaine Ainsley was named forward of the year, No 8 Nikora Broughton was named best rookie, rising hooker Jack Taylor won the under-20s award, and popular veteran Marty Banks was named community champion.
Appropriately, departing halfback Aaron Smith won the Highlander Man award.
