The All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw has become the first person to be named the Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year for a third time after taking the top award at the New Zealand Rugby Awards in Auckland.
McCaw has previously won the award in 2003 and 2006. This year he was also named IRB player of the year.
Mils Muliaina, who deputised for McCaw in his early season absence and also led the Chiefs, won the Super 14 Player of the Year.
Victoria Heighway, the Black Ferns captain, was named the Women's Player of the Year; Manawatu's New Zealand Under 20 Captain Aaron Cruden picked up the Age Grade Player of the Year; Zar Lawrence won the Sevens Player of the Year and Zac Guildford won the Maori Player of the Year.
The Steinlager Salver, a special presentation to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby, was presented to former All Blacks Captain DJ Graham.
After debuting in 1958 Graham played 53 matches in the black jersey, including 22 Tests, and after retiring went on to an outstanding administrative career, serving as the Auckland Rugby Union's President as well as NZRU Vice President and President.
Canterbury were named team of the year and Dave Rennie was named Coach of the Year after leading his young charges to a second IRB Junior World Championship.
Domestically, new All Blacks and Bay of Plenty pivot Mike Delany won the Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year after an outstanding season and the Heartland Championship Player of the Year Award went to Asaeli Tikoirotuma from Meads Cup champions Wanganui.
