Perenara, Savea share award
TJ Perenara and Ardie Savea have been named joint winners of the Hurricanes’ player of the year award.
The pair picked up the gong at their team’s end of season awards function on Tuesday night.
Perenara, 27, had another outstanding year at halfback which saw him surpass Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith for the most caps for the franchise when playing his 127th game in the Super Rugby semifinal loss to the Crusaders last Saturday.
The try he scored in that match was the 54th of his Hurricanes career, moving him to within two of Christian Cullen’s franchise record.
Savea, 25, brought his form from the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour through to the 2019 Super Rugby season when he was widely regarded as the most consistent and outstanding performer across all teams.
The versatile loose forward is now just nine appearances away from becoming a Hurricanes centurion, a mark he should reach next season after further committing to playing in New Zealand.
Savea was also the winner of the Hurricanes’ best and fairest award.
The award is judged on consistency with players awarded three, two or one point by teammates after every match.
Club captain Dane Coles was honoured with the team man of the year for his continued leadership while making his comeback from a calf injury which kept him out for more than two months.
Lock James Blackwell was named most improved player,
while rookie of the year went to utility back Chase Tiatia.
The Hunters award, given to the Hurricanes player who did not see a lot of game time but always turned up with the right attitude and helped challenge and support the players with their match-day preparations, went to midfield back Peter Umaga-Jensen.