Northland women’s rugby star in running for top award
After a surprise return to rugby following her retirement two years ago, Northland women’s rugby player Charmaine Smith is in the running for the Fiao’o Faamausili Medal for best player in the Farah Palmer Cup.
The former Black Ferns lock came out of retirement to join the Blues’ Super Rugby Aupiki campaign this year.
The 31-year-old stepped away from rugby in 2020 citing health reasons, but continued with her career as a sergeant in the New Zealand Police.
A week after giving birth last year, however, Smith had a follow-up scan which found she was clear of any residual health issues and was able to train again.
New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) top performers of 2022 were announced on Tuesday and will be recognised at the ASB Rugby Awards next week.
This year’s awards will be presented live on Sky Sport 1 and Prime at 8.30pm next Thursday, December 8 with awards presented to leading teams, players, coaches, administrators, and referees.
The ASB Rugby Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge all those involved in the game and the achievements of players, referees, and volunteers in 2022, NZR CEO Mark Robinson said.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the contributions and excellence across our rugby community and recognising what’s been a huge and exciting year for rugby,” Robinson said.
“I’d like to congratulate all the nominees, who once again show the breadth of talent we are lucky to have at all levels of our game.”
Smith was nominated alongside Luka Connor (Bay of Plenty) and Maia Joseph (Otago) for the Fiao’o Faamausili Medal.
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki champions Chiefs Manawa have been nominated for the Adidas National Women’s Team of the Year alongside
Bunnings Warehouse Farah Palmer Cup winners Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay.
The hotly contested Sky Television Fans Try of the Year was open for a public vote until Wednesday this week.
Four additional awards will be announced on the night — the Steinlager Salver, the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year, adidas New Zealand Team of the Year and the ASB New Zealand Coach of the Year.