Moana Pasifika’s inspirational captain Ardie Savea has claimed the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title for 2025, after taking an unattainable lead in voting with two weeks left in the regular season.
It follows an extraordinary performance from the 31-year-old, leading Moana Pasifika to their first ever victory over the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
“It’s a huge honour and blessing to receive this award,” Savea said. “I wouldn’t be the player I am this year or where I am without the team and the brothers. A massive shoutout to my brothers and my family.
“When you’re striving for something bigger than yourself and the team everything is worthwhile whatever you do.”
Savea collected the maximum six votes against the Blues and 42 votes across the season so far, putting him beyond the reach of Tom Hooper (31 votes) and Damian McKenzie (28 votes) a fortnight out from the Finals Series.
In 10 appearances this season, Savea has scored five tries, made over 330 post-contact metres, completed 115 tackles and won 13 turnovers.
He has also been the highest-scoring loose forward in Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy, and for six weeks of the competition, the most picked player.
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga acknowledged Savea’s impact.
“As a club we’re extremely proud of Ardie on all his achievements this year. To be able to coach and work with someone of his calibre is a privilege,” Umaga said.
“This award is a testament to the leader he is and what he represents. His faith, his family, his culture and his people. It also shines a light on everything he does behind the scenes to be the best he can be, which has uplifted everyone around him.”
Moana Pasifika are currently in sixth position on the standings, aiming for their first ever finals appearance.
“Ardie’s passionate leadership and dominant performances for Moana Pasifika this year have made an indelible mark on his teammates, his opponents and our competition as a whole,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said.
“He has received votes from the opposition in almost every game he has played this season, which reflects the consistency of his output and influence on his team.”
Savea will be formally presented the Player of the Year medal at Moana Pasifika’s final regular season game against the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium on Saturday 31 May.
ENDS
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