Moana and Drua award players for 2025 season
Ardie Savea and Isoa Nasilasila received top honours at the their club awards night this week.
Photo:
Facebook / Moana Pasifika / Fijian Drua
Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua have awarded their best players for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season in separate award ceremonies on Tuesday.
Ardie Savea was the unanimous choice for the Moana Man of the Year at the prizegiving held in Auckland.
While Isoa Nasilasila received the same award for the Drua men's team in Nadi on the same night.
Fijiana Drua women named flanker Alfreda Fisher the Women's Player of the Year.
There were also other awards presented on the night to honour players and their achievements.
Moana Pasifika said Savea has been hugely influential in elevating the side to its most successful season in history, while also having a standout individual season.
He was also voted 'Fans' Player of the Year'.
Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 21, the competition's carries leader, won 'Rookie of the Year' and the 'Tangaloa Award for Best Defensive Player'.
Ta'eiloa has taken the comptition by storm after coming in as a replacement player.
Since his starting debut in round two "he hasn't looked back, owning his spot in the loose forward trio", Moana Pasifika stated.
With 192 carries to his name, Ta'eiloa is still 29 ahead of the next best.
Flanker Miracle Faiilagi and winger Kyren Taumoefolau were joint recipients of the 'Maui Award for Best Attacking Player'.
The duo have eight tries each, and remain in the top 10 for tries scored in Super Rugby Pacific.
Manu Samoa halfback Melani Matavao received the Personal Development Award, which is presented to a player who works diligently on their off-field growth and holistic development.
Monu Moli was also the recipient of the Tautua Award celebrating a person who leads through service to the team and the wider community, while the Moana Pasifika 'Under 20s Player of the Year' was given to Jay Dunne, who played for the club at the Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament in Taupō.
Individual milestones of Julian Savea (300 first class matches), Sione Havili Talitui (50 Super Rugby games) and Jonathan Taumateine (50 Super Rugby games) were also acknowledged at the event.
Fijian Drua said their awards acknowledged players and those behind the scenes in both the Fijian Drua Men's and the Fijian Drua Women's teams.
A total of 13 awards were handed out on the night.
Lock forward Isoa Nasilasila was selected by head coach Glen Jackson for the 'Men's Player of the Year Award'.
The club said the award is "most prestigious award to be handed out for the men's team tonight. Nasilasila has been a consistent performer for the Drua all season".
"His work ethic, commitment and dedication has won him praise from coaches, staff, sponsors and fans alike."
Fijiana national team captain Fisher was named the 'Women's Player of the Year'.
She was selected by head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa.
The club said that in her rookie season, Fisher stood out for her stellar performances and leadership on and off the field.
Other awards included Frank Lomani claiming the 'Personal Development Award', which is awarded to the player who has made substantial gains on their life after rugby plans.
"The winner is selected in consultation with the Pacific Rugby Players, the body representing professional rugby players in Fiji and the Pacific," the club said.
"Frank Lomani has demonstrated remarkable initiative and productivity through his Life After Rugby (LAR) plans. Following his participation in the Start Your Own Business course, Frank took confident steps to bring his vision to life-establishing his own transportation company, Masada Riders.
"His business continues to grow, and he has plans in the pipeline of expanding into other ventures, all while diversifying his portfolio."
Utility player Tuidraki Samusamuvodre received the 'Community Champion- Men' award for his involvement with community and sponsorship activities.
Josivini Naihamu was awarded the 'Women's Rookie of the Year' award, while Ponipate Loganimasi received the 'Men's Rookie of the Year'.
The two both made their debuts for the Drua in the 2025 season and impressed with their performances.
Zuriel Togiatama was awarded the 'Dausoko Award' for consistently modelling the Club's values of relentlessness, discipline, and integrity.
Both the Drua and Moana Pasifika will be in action again on Saturday in the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The Drua meeting the Reds in Brisbane, while Moana Pasifika will take on the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
4 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Chiefs v Blues: Live updates from the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs
Follow the action as the Chiefs host the Blues in Hamilton in the first round of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs. Chiefs team to face the Blues The Chiefs will be out for revenge as they host a Blues outfit that thumped them 41-10 in the Super Rugby Pacific final in Auckland last year. Since then, the sides have met twice this season, with the Chiefs coming up trumps on both occasions – although it was only by a one-point margin when the Blues visited Hamilton in round five. Coach Clayton McMillan has made nine changes to his starting XV that bested the last-placed Highlanders 41-24 last week, opting for a more experienced lineup. A new-look front row has Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho and George Dyer slotting into the starting side. Naitoa Ah Kuoi replaces Josh Lord and joins Tupou Vaa'i in the locking department. All Black Wallace Sititi has been shifted to the bench and replaced by Simon Parker in the No 8 jersey. Samipeni Finau and captain Luke Jacobson round out the loose forwards. In the backline, Cortez Ratima will start at halfback over Xavier Roe. Quinn Tupaea has been ruled out after suffering a head injury last week and is replaced by Gideon Wrampling. Emoni Narawa has returned from injury and will start on the wing alongside Leroy Carter. The Chiefs have already booked their spot in the competition's semifinals next week, regardless of the result, but a win on Saturday night would go a long way in securing home advantage throughout the playoffs. Chiefs: 1. Aidan Ross 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho 3. George Dyer 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 5. Tupou Vaa'i 6. Samipeni Finau 7. Luke Jacobson (c) 8. Simon Parker 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Leroy Carter 12. Gideon Wrampling 13. Daniel Rona 14. Emoni Narawa 15. Shaun Stevenson. Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. Ollie Norris 18. Reuben O'Neill 19. Josh Lord 20. Wallace Sititi 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Etene Nanai-Seturo. Unavailable: Quinn Tupaea (head/eye), Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone), Liam Coombes-Fabling (hamstring), Fiti Sa (shoulder), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (toe), Rameka Poihipi (knee, season), Kaleb Trask (ankle), Malachi Wrampling (hamstring), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (shoulder), Sione Ahio (ankle). Blues team to face the Chiefs Coach Vern Cotter has made just one change to his Blues side, tasked with taking the trip down State Highway 1 to knock over a high-flying Chiefs outfit if they wish to defend the Super Rugby Pacific title. The side snuck into the top six of the ladder after a 46-6 win over the Waratahs at Eden Park at the weekend, but will have their work cut out for them. The sole change involves Adrian Choat replacing Anton Segner at blindside flanker, with Segner being shifted to the bench. The equation for the underdog Blues is quite simple – win and they earn another week. Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a 2. Ricky Riccitelli 3. Marcel Renata 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c) 5. Laghlan McWhannell 6. Adrian Choat 7. Dalton Papali'i 8. Hoskins Sotutu 9. Finlay Christie 10. Beauden Barrett 11. Caleb Clarke 12. A.J. Lam 13. Rieko Ioane 14. Mark Tele'a 15. Corey Evans. Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund 17. Jordan Lay 18. Angus Ta'avao 19. Josh Beehre 20. Anton Segner 21. Sam Nock 22. Harry Plummer 23. Cole Forbes. Unavailable: Cam Christie (thumb), Stephen Perofeta (leg), Reon Paul (shoulder), Cam Suafoa (medical, season), Ofa Tu'ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- RNZ News
Moana Pasifika review: Mass exodus and late drubbings take gloss off shining season
Captain Ardie Savea celebrates a win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / In 2025, Moana Pasifika made believers of many. They came within one win of beating every New Zealand franchise, brought life to a dormant stadium and silenced plenty of critics. More importantly, they proved the project is working, giving Pacific players a platform, fans an identity and YouTube plenty of highlights. They would also drop a bombshell in the week following their elimination, announcing the departure of 15 players, six of whom had been with them since the start. Moana Pasifika ultimately fell short of their ambition of playoff footy and, after conceding 149 points in their last two games, the gloss was somewhat taken off a very bright season. Jonty Dine looks back at the historic year that was. Beating big brothers The rivalry between the two Auckland-based franchises only grew in 2025 and, of all their Kiwi scalps, none was more satisfying than the 27-21 defeat of the Blues in front of the Albany faithful. Captain Ardie Savea produced what was described as the greatest individual performance in the competition's history. Conquering Crusaders An upset for the ages, Moana's jaw-dropping 45-29 victory in "the toughest place to play in Super" suddenly gave rivals no choice but to put some respect on their name. Miracle scores thrice The encapsulation of what Moana was about - providing a platform for a Pacific player struggling to break into the top leagues - Miracle Faiʻilagi repaid the faith shown in him with this spectacular trio of tries against the Hurricanes, as they scored another upset over a New Zealand franchise, holding off the Hurricanes 40-31. New Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga helped change the franchise culture. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Ending Highlander hopes In a thriller under the Dunedin roof, Moana halfback Melani Matavao had his own 'hand of God' moment , as he charged down a Taine Robinson clearance, regathered and scored the matchwinner to eliminate the Highlanders from playoff contention with an enthralling 34-29 victory. Back to back After their monumental win in Christchurch, the question was could Moana back it up against the Waratahs the next week? Answering in emphatic fashion, a treble for prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou drove the 45-28 win. Ominous start Moana Pasifika were left to lament a three-loss run to start their campaign, a stretch of games that could have easily ended very differently. In their opening clash with Western Force in Perth, a 12-try epic concluded in heartbreaking fashion for the visitors. Down by 13 points with five minutes to play, the Force brought it back within six, before first-five Ben Donaldson inexplicably went 80 metres to score under the sticks and steal it. Similarly, Moana's round three match with the Highlanders - their first at home - saw them fall just two points short, after mounting a stunning comeback. Blanked by Brumbies An Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot on a damp day in Pukekohe, beaten 24-0 and sparking criticisms for the side's insistence on turning down kickable penalties . Ardie Savea leads the Moana Pasifika challenge. Photo: Photosport Hamilton humiliation While the Brumbies defeat stung, the hiding dished out by the Chiefs was effectively the blow that ended Moana Pasifika's playoff hopes, humbled in Hamilton 85-7 at the hands of a ruthless Chiefs side . Wheels come off in Welly While the fans embraced the return of one of Wellington's favourite sons - Savea - to the city, the Hurricanes were far less welcoming, handing Moana Pasifika a 64-12 hiding at the 'Cake Tin' to officially kill their campaign. Disrespectfully labelled a band of battlers in some corners, the Moana Pasifika squad proved they were anything but, with several players stamping their mark in Super Rugby 2025. Patrick Pellegrini While the pre-season talk centred around Jackson Garden-Bachop taking the reins, the unheralded Pellegrini made the biggest moves. His powerful punt, astute game management and deceptive speed saw him touted as one of the premier first-fives in the competition. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa A schoolboy star after making the bold move from Auckland to Invercargill, the blockbusting No.8 thrived alongside Savea and even thrust his name into All Blacks bolter conversations. Feleti Sae-Taʻufoʻou Another big mover was hulking prop Sae-Taʻufoʻou, announcing himself with a hattrick against the Waratahs, the Turbo was brutal with ball in hand. Moana Pasifika first-five Patrick Pellegreni Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress The primary focus upon Moana's inception was to provide a professional platform for Pasifika players who may be overlooked elsewhere. Several players epitomised this by playing their career best rugby after moving there in 2025. Lalomilo Lalomilo After making just two appearances for the Chiefs in 2023, Lalomilo had bided his time since earning national U20 selection. He returned north and appeared to find a permanent home in the Moana Pasifika midfield. A powerful runner, the Samoan is far from one-dimensional, showcasing some classy touches Jonathan Taumateine Halfback Taumatene found himself lost in the shuffle at both the Chiefs and Hurricanes, before signing with Moana Pasifika in their inaugural season. He was often stuck behind Ere Enari in the pecking order for his first three years with the side, but Umaga showed plenty of faith in Taumateine, who delivered some quality performances Millennium Sanerivi Another who produced a season as epic as his name and another Chiefs development player unable to crack the main squad, the former King's College First XV captain made his debut at hooker in round one against the Force and locked down the No.2 jersey, playing 13 of 15 games. This phenomenon was evident from the very first media session of the year, when a horde of journalists huddled around Moana Pasifika's superstar signing - the biggest coup in Super Rugby history. Ardie Savea made a mockery of claims his game would suffer at Moana Pasifika. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Making a mockery of predictions his game would suffer at the franchise, Savea was simply sensational for his adopted franchise, taking his game to levels rivalling the greatest players in the game's history. Influence is an understatement - Savea's men would follow him into war. A generational figure, who has become only more mythical at Moana Pasifika. Without a home in 2024, Moana struggled to find a sense of belonging, as they bounced between venues, sharing Go Media Stadium with the Warriors and unable to forge a genuine connection with their fanbase. Enter Albany. Moana Pasifika brought a serious injection of life to a ground in dire need of a rebirth. The atmosphere at QBE Stadium was electric and the roar when Savea snatched the matchwinning pilfer against the Blues absolutely deafening. They may have only numbered about 10,000, but the fans brought the energy and passion of a million. Tonga turmoil In a significant blow to Pacific rugby, Moana Pasifika were forced to relocate a home game against the Chiefs from Tonga to Pukekohe, due to logistical barriers on the island. Assurances have been made for efforts to make the fixture a reality in 2026, but Tongans will no doubt be sceptical. Miracle Faiʻilagi's hattrick of tries were a season highlight. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Sharks circle Fears the side would simply become a poaching ground for bigger franchises were proven justified, when Moana's top two 2023 performers - Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua - were snapped up by the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively. Unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing with dynamic young winger Kyren Taumoefolau likely lured away by the Chiefs for next year. Roster reset In a jaw-dropping post-season move, Moana announced the mass release of Fine and Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Sione Havili-Talitui, Kyren Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo, Alamanda Motuga, Sama Malolo, Aisea Halo, Tomasi Maka, Connor Seve, Irie Papuni and Pone Fa'amausili from the franchise. A significant shake up to the squad, though it could open the door for more star signings. While the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' has fizzled, a new Auckland grudge match has been born. What began as a cordial co-existence has become an increasingly heated feud between Moana Pasifika and the Blues. While the Blues say the right things on camera about the respect they have for Moana, the players and coaches across the bridge have spoken about the negative narratives coming from their so-called 'big brothers'. After Moana's official elimination from playoff contention, the Blues celebrated their finals berth with a post on Instagram saying "Keep doubtin us, we just picking the right time, don't care who side u on, there's only one of us in the finals". Moana Pasifika skipper Savea clapped back with "Lions don't care about the opinions of sheep". Shots fired. The scoreline was one apiece in 2025 and next year's clashes are bound to be barnburners. Rating B- 7/10 3.5 stars Moana Pasifika didn't reach the promised land in 2025, but they found their compass. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
8 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Super Rugby Pacific: Christchurch set to host Super Round in 2026 at Te Kaha
Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley has confirmed plans are in motion to bring back Super Round for the 2026 season with Christchurch's new stadium, Te Kaha, in line to host the event over Anzac weekend. It would be the first time a New Zealand city has hosted
