Local club, volunteer and players among finalists for ASB Rugby Awards

Local club, volunteer and players among finalists for ASB Rugby Awards

PIC Steelers fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo and Counties Energy Heat halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu are up for individual recognition at the ASB Rugby Awards after being confirmed as finalists.

They join a local club hero and Counties Manukau club that also stand to be crowned winners at the awards evening on December 14.

Nanai-Seturo is one of four players that have been announced as finalists for the Duane Monkley Medal as the stand-out player in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

Marino-Tauhinu (Nga Puhi, Ngai Tahuhu) is one of four shortlisted for the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year.

The Beachlands Maraetai club is one of three clubs that will fight out the Bunnings Warehouse Club of the Year along with Auckland University Rugby Club and Tamatea Rugby Sports Club in the Hawke’s Bay.

Pukekohe’s John Hume is a finalist for the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year after his tireless work at the helm of his club.

“I am delighted that Humey has been recognised for the enormous amount of work and energy he puts into the Pukekohe club,” CMRFU chief executive Aaron Lawton said.

“He really does live and breathe rugby so it is very rewarding to see that recognised.

“Likewise, we are so happy that Beachlands Maraetai as a club have been recognised as well. They have enjoyed another phenomenal season, particularly through their junior club, and their shortlisting will go some way to recognising the huge efforts it takes from many people to make that happen.

“Etene enjoyed a terrific season and looked likely to break a game open every time he touched the ball so it is great to see him in the mix for the Duane Monkley medal while Ari continues to set extremely high standards in everything she does. It is no surprise that every team she has been a part of this season has excelled and she is a worthy candidate for the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year award.”

The awards will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.