08-08-2025
Casey, Rewiri- Wharerau get gongs
Lucas Casey. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Kaikorai loose forward Lucas Casey and Alhambra-Union loosie Bella Rewiri-Wharerau have scooped the major prizes at the Dunedin community club awards at Kaikorai Rugby Football Club last night.
Casey is a natural openside, but he moved to No 8 this season and worked in tandem with Slade McDowall.
The pair were quick to get to the fringes and force turnovers. And Casey's ability to pop up out wide and run through holes made him a huge asset.
He stood out most weeks for his attacking potency, and Kaikorai played a brand of rugby which suited his game.
They gave the ball width and Casey had the speed to exploit any opportunities.
Casey also picked up the award for the most tries — he nabbed 13 of them.
Bella Rewiri-Wharerau
Rewiri-Wharerau was outstanding for Alhambra-Union all season and captained them to the women's division 1 club title.
She was brutal off the side of the scrum. She is a big ball carrier and a staunch defender who scored a stunning individual try in the final.
Rewiri-Wharerau was massive in the club final until a nasty lower leg injury cut her game and season short, ruling her out of the upcoming season for the Otago Spirit for whom she has cemented a starting spot the past two seasons.
Hard-working University midfielder Claudia Broomfield was named women's breakthrough player of the year, while Harbour first five Rique Miln won the Ben Smith Medal (emerging player). He had an outstanding rookie season for the Hawks.
Kaikorai pivot Ben Miller was the top points scorer in division 1. He collected 150 points for the season and was influential in Kaikorai's championship run.
University Rugby Football Club club captain Andy Ellis received the club champion of the year award, and referee Fraser Hannon was named referee of the year.
Abbey Cochrane, from Big River Country, collected the awards for most tries (12) and most points (98) in the women's division 1 competition.
The Ainge Shield will be awarded following the colts finals this weekend.
The Otago Daily Times will livestream both the colts finals on
Kaikorai and Dunedin will do battle in the under-20 division 1 final at Tahuna Park at 2.45pm today, and Kaikorai and Dunedin will contest the under-21 division 2 final at 12.45pm.
— Additional reporting Kayla Hodge.
