Ar Savea Recognized as New Zealand’s Top Player for the Third Time

Ar Savea has been recognized as New Zealand’s top rugby player for the third time, receiving the prestigious Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year award at the 2025 New Zealand Rugby Awards. The 32-year-old All Black, who notched his 100th test cap this season, also won the titles of Best All Blacks Player and Best New Zealand Super Rugby Player. Savea’s remarkable performances led to him being honored with the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson commended Savea for his exceptional consistency and inspirational leadership, stating, “He keeps raising the bar for what’s possible on an individual level and brings his inspirational leadership to every environment.” Savea’s reputation is esteemed both domestically and internationally, further solidifying his status in the sport.

In the women’s categories, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, a teenager, earned recognition as the Black Ferns Player of the Year and the New Zealand Age Grade Player of the Year after being named World Rugby’s Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year. Additionally, Jorja Miller, the previous year’s recipient of the Kelvin R Tremain award, claimed the Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year title and complemented her accolades with the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award.

These awards highlight the exceptional talent and leadership within New Zealand rugby. Savea’s achievements not only showcase his individual excellence but also his critical role in the continued success of rugby in New Zealand, both on local and international stages.