Matt Todd
Matt Todd was the big winner for the Crusaders and Caterbury at their annual awards evening, the flank coming away two prizes including the big one.
Canterbury Rugby and Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach expressed his congratulations to all of the awards recipients and said the evening had been a great celebration of success.
“This is the chance for our players, coaches, staff, sponsors and volunteers, to come together and enjoy an evening of celebration and reflection on the year.
“As is usually the case in sport, there were highs and lows throughout the year, but overall we have finished this year in good heart and with much to be proud of.
“There are a huge number of people who contribute to the success of rugby in this region, and while we couldn’t possibly thank them all individually, this awards evening is a way of us saying a collective thanks to all of those involved as well as acknowledging some outstanding individual achievements.”
The awards evening also marked a significant milestone for Todd Blackadder – 100 games as Crusaders head coach.
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New Zealand Rugby presented Blackadder with a mere, and the Crusaders presented him with a framed Crusaders Rugby jersey signed by the 2014 squad.
Blackadder said he was unaware until after the 2014 Super Rugby Final that it was his 100th game as coach.
“It’s not the sort of thing you think to keep count of as a coach, so I was pretty surprised to learn from the team after the final that it had been my 100th.
“Obviously a different result would have made for a better celebration, but it is still something to feel proud of.
“I’ve enjoyed my hundred so far and I’m looking forward to a few more yet,” Blackadder said.
Only three other New Zealand Super Rugby coaches – Robbie Deans, Ian Foster and Colin Cooper – have reached this milestone.
Blackadder also has 100 caps to his name as a player for the Canterbury team and is a former Canterbury, Crusaders and All Blacks captain.
“Todd is an absolute legend in these parts, there is no doubt that he is one of rugby’s favourite sons,” Hamish Riach said.
“It is an honour to work with him and we are all very proud of everything he has achieved, including this latest milestone.”
Awards:
Outstanding Off-field Achievement Award:
- Adam Whitelock
Academy Player Award:
- Scott Barrett
Men’s Sevens Player of the Year:
- William Saukuru
Women’s Sevens Player of the Year:
- Kendra Cocksedge
Under 19 Player of the Year:
- George Bridge
Colt Player of the Year:
- Reed Prinsep
Women’s Player of the Year:
- Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox
Maori Player of the Year Award:
- Nick Werahiko
Most Improved Crusader Award:
- Jordan Taufua
Crusaders Rookie of the Year:
- Nemani Nadolo
The ITM Cup First Year Player Award:
- Scott Barrett
Canterbury Players’ Team Player of the Year Award:
- Adam Whitelock
The Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year Award:
- Matt Todd
Crusaders Player of the Year Award:
- Matt Todd