Wright up for Heartland award
South Canterbury rugby halfback Willie Wright has been stunned to learn he is a finalist for New Zealand’s Heartland player of the year award.
Wright said the call he had been selected came out-of-theblue.
‘‘I was pretty shocked to be honest but it is an honour.’’
Wright said it would be cool for himself and his wife, Jess, to be rubbing shoulders with some of New Zealand’s best players at the national rugby awards night in Auckland next Thursday.
‘‘I am looking forward to it. Dress code was either black tie or No 1s and I am wearing my South Canterbury No 1s as that is who I am proud to represent.’’
The 26-year-old said he had no expectations of going any further because to the calibre of the two other nominees.
Wright is up against Thames Valley co-captain Brett Ranga and Wanganui midfielder Craig Clare.
It caps off a fine season for Wright who was an integral part of South Canterbury’s run to the Heartland Championship final and was also a member of the successful New Zealand Heartland XV.
South Canterbury rugby chief executive Craig Calder was delighted for Wright.
‘‘It is great to see Willie acknowledged in this way,’’ he said.
‘‘He played a big part in the success of the South Canterbury side and was the starting halfback for the New Zealand Heartland team in both games,’’ Calder said.
Ranga is, however, likely to have the inside running for the Heartland silverware after leading the Swamp Foxes to their first Meads Cup victory, beating South Canterbury in the final in Timaru.