Ardie Savea has been awarded Moana Pasifika’s highest honour – winning the Moana Man of the Year at the 2025 prizegiving held in Auckland on Tuesday evening.
The captain has been hugely influential in elevating Moana to its most successful season in history, while also having a standout individual season. Along with taking home the top gong, Savea was also crowned the Fans’ Player of the Year.
Rising star and competition carries leader, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa won Rookie of the Year and the Tangaloa Award for Best Defensive Player.
The 21-year-old has taken the Super Rugby Pacific Competition by storm after coming in as a replacement player. In round two he was given a starting spot due to injuries and hasn’t looked back, owning his spot in the loose forward trio. With 192 carries to his name, Tupou Ta’eiloa is still 29 ahead of the next best.
Miracle Faiilagi and Kyren Taumoefolau were joint recipients of the Maui Award for Best Attacking Player, a testament to their offensive finesse which has helped Moana become one of the highest-scoring team’s in the competition.
With eight tries each, both Faiilagi and Taumoefolau remain in the top 10 for tries scored in Super Rugby Pacific and have performed consistently to a high level every week.
Melani Matavao received the Personal Development Award, presented to a player who works diligently on their off-field growth and holistic development.
Monu Moli was also the recipient of the Tautua Award celebrating a person who leads through service to the team and the wider community.
The Moana Pasifika Under 20s Player of the Year was Jay Dunne, who played a significant role in the team that competed at the Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament in Taupō.
The milestones of Julian Savea (300 first class matches), Sione Havili Talitui (50 Super Rugby games) and Jonathan Taumateine (50 Super Rugby games) were also acknowledged at the event.
Moana Pasifika Awards 2025
Moana Man of the Year – Ardie Savea
Maui La’auli Savae Michael Jones Award for Best Attacking Player – Miracle Faiilagi and Kyren Taumoefolau
Tangaloa Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams Award for Best Defensive Player – Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Niu Award for Rookie of the Year – Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Fans’ Player of the Year – Ardie Savea
Personal Development Award – Melani Matavao
Tautua Service Award – Monu Moli
U20s Player of the Year – Jay Dunne
ENDS
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