Ardie Savea of Moana Pasifika with fans after winning the Super Rugby Pacific - Crusaders v Moana Pasifika at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 29th March 2025. Copyright photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
Moana Pasifika's inspirational captain Ardie Savea has claimed the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title for 2025.
Super Rugby has awarded the All Blacks toughman the inagaural 'Player of the Year' award, with two rounds still left to go in the normal weekly rounds.
A statement on Sunday said Savea has taken an unattainable lead, way ahead of anyone else.
The 31-year-old led Moana Pasifika to their first ever victory over the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
Moana Pasifika Ardie Savea soring a disallowed try during the Super Rugby Pacific Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland - on 26 April 2025. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley said Savea was outstanding.
"Ardie's passionate leadership and dominant performances for Moana Pasifika this year have made an indelible mark on his teammates, his opponents and our competition as a whole," Mesley said.
"He has received votes from the opposition in almost every game he has played this season, which reflects the consistency of his output and influence on his team."
Savea said the award is a recognition of his family, his mates and those who have worked with him and supported him and Moana Pasifika this year.
"It's a huge honour and blessing to receive this award," Savea said.
"I wouldn't be the player I am this year or where I am without the team and the brothers. A massive shoutout to my brothers and my family.
"When you're striving for something bigger than yourself and the team everything is worthwhile whatever you do."
Super Rugby said Savea collected the maximum six votes against the Blues and has totalled 42 votes across the season so far.
That had him far ahead and beyond the reach of the Brumbies' Tom Hooper (31 votes) and Chiefs' Damian McKenzie (28 votes), with a fortnight still to go from the Finals Series.
Savea made 10 appearances so far this season, and has scored five tries, made over 330 post-contact metres, completed 115 tackles and won 13 turnovers.
He has also been the highest-scoring loose forward in Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy, and for six weeks of the competition, the most picked player.
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga acknowledged Savea's impact.
"As a club we're extremely proud of Ardie on all his achievements this year," Umaga said.
"To be able to coach and work with someone of his calibre is a privilege.
"This award is a testament to the leader he is and what he represents. His faith, his family, his culture and his people. It also shines a light on everything he does behind the scenes to be the best he can be, which has uplifted everyone around him."
Moana Pasifika are currently in sixth position on the standings, aiming for their first ever finals appearance, with two games to play.
They will meet the Chiefs this weekend in Hamilton and the Hurricanes in Wellington the week after.
Super Rugb Pacific said Savea will be formally presented the Player of the Year medal at Moana Pasifika's final regular season game against the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium on Saturday, May 31.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR LADDER (POST ROUND 14 - Top 7):
1. Ardie Savea - 42
2. Tom Hooper - 31
3. Damian McKenzie - 28
4. Carlo Tizzano - 27
5. Timoci Tavatavanawai - 26
5. Langi Gleeson - 26
7. Fraser McReight - 26
