All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea has been honoured as New Zealand’s top rugby player for the third time, adding another major accolade to his remarkable career.
Triple honours at New Zealand Rugby Awards
Savea, 32, received the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year award at the 2025 New Zealand Rugby Awards—an accolade he previously won in 2019 and 2023.
In addition to the top player award, he also claimed the titles of Best All Blacks Player and Best New Zealand Super Rugby Player for his outstanding season.
A stellar season
This year was especially memorable for Savea, who celebrated his 100th Test cap and played a leading role throughout the season — both for the All Blacks and for Moana Pasifika, helping the latter to one of their most successful Super Rugby Pacific campaigns.
Earlier in the year, Savea had also won the inaugural Super Rugby Player of the Year award, underscoring his influence across all levels of the game.
Recognition and praise
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson praised Savea’s “unmatched consistency” and inspirational leadership, noting that his performances have set a high standard domestically and internationally.
Savea’s three top honours at the awards — the most prestigious in New Zealand rugby — confirm his status as one of the standout figures in the sport.
Youth spotlight
The awards night also highlighted emerging talent: Braxton Sorensen-McGee was named Black Ferns Player of the Year and New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year, while Jorja Miller took home the Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year award.
Summary: Ardie Savea’s third Kelvin R Tremain award — alongside other top honours — reflects a dominant season and reinforces his standing as New Zealand rugby’s premier player.
