In Nuova Zelanda è tempo di premiare il meglio del rugby 2012 e ieri sono state annunciate le candidature ufficiali nelle varie categorie da cui poi emergeranno i vincitori il 14 dicembre allo Sky City Convention Centre di Auckland.

Riassumiamo le nominations:
Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year: Aaron Cruden, Craig Clarke e Conrad Smith.

New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year: Dave Rennie (coach dei Chiefs), Steve Hansen e Gordon Tietjens (guru del seven).

ITM Cup Player of the Year: Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs e Manukau), Robbie Fruean (Canterbury) e Charles Piutau (Auckland).

Richard Crawshaw Sevens Player of the Year: Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson e Lote Raikabula.

New Zealand’s Age Grade Player of the Year: Jason Emery, Ofa Tu’ungafasi e Jordan Taufua; tutti e tre saranno sotto contratto nel Super Rugby 2013.

Heartland Player of the Year: Tau Moeke, Peter Rowe e Ben Coman.

Referee of the Year: Nicky Inwood, Glen Jackson e Chris Pollock.

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year: Bill Anderson di Southland, Jim Lonergan dell’Auckland Rugby e Ray Watson di Bay of Plenty.