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Fusitu'a And Demant Take Top Honours At Blues Awards

Two outstanding leaders of Blues rugby, Joshua Fusitu'a and Ruahei Demant, have taken top honours at the 2025 Blues Awards held on Thursday night. Following a breakout season, Fusitu'a was honoured with the club's top accolade, named as the Better Blues Company Player of the Year. A model of professionalism, discipline, and growth, Fusitu'a cemented his spot in the starting XV with consistent, high-impact performances throughout 2025. His tireless preparation and attention to detail set the benchmark within the Blues environment. Meanwhile, talented playmaker Demant capped off an incredible season by being named nib Blues Player of the Year. With her vision, composure, and game-winning instincts, she played a defining role in the nib Blues' campaign that saw them win back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles. Her Player of the Match performance in the Super Rugby Women's Champions final capped off one of many standout moments in a stellar year. In other awards, AJ Lam was named nib Players' Player of the Year - an award voted on by his teammates to reflect character, effort, and consistent contribution. A work horse on and off the ball, Rieko Ioane took out CMC Markets Back of the Year, while Ricky Riccitelli was named MG Forward of the Year for his consistency in the engine room. For the women, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was named 2degrees nib Blues Back of the Year, following a shift to the midfield this season. Maama Vaipulu earned Barfoot & Thompson nib Blues Forward of the Year, recognised for her unmatched work rate and impact. Braxton Sorensen-McGee won Komatsu nib Blues Rookie of the Year and Women's Fans' Player of the Year after a sensational debut season, which included a Black Ferns debut. Xavi Taele was named Blues Rookie of the Year, while Beauden Barrett was the Men's Fans' Player of the Year. 2025 BLUES AWARDS WINNERS nib Blues Player of the Year Ruahei Demant Better Blues Company Player of the Year Joshua Fusitu'a nib Players' Player of the Year AJ Lam 2degrees nib Blues Back of the Year Portia Woodman-Wickliffe CMC Markets Blues Back of the Year Rieko Ioane Barfoot & Thompson nib Blues Forward of the Year Maama Vaipulu MG Blues Forward of the Year Ricky Riccitelli Komatsu nib Blues Rookie of the Year Braxton Sorensen-McGee Hello Fresh Blues Rookie of the Year Xavi Taele Blues Supporters 4Life Fans' Player of the Year Beauden Barrett and Braxton Sorensen-McGee KFC Community Award Katelyn Vaha'akolo Lockton Development Player of the Year Cohen Norrie NZ Funds nib Blues Team Member of the Year Amy Courtney