The Silver Fern

Sunday 18 May
Ardie Savea crowned 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea has claimed the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title after establishing an unassailable lead in voting with two weeks left in the regular season.

The 31-year-old collected the maximum six votes against the Blues in Round 14, and 42 votes across the season so far, putting him beyond the reach of Tom Hooper (31 votes) and Damian McKenzie (28 votes) a fortnight out from the Finals Series.

Savea has been an imposing force for Moana Pasifika on both sides of the ball in his 10 appearances this season, scoring five tries, making over 350 post-contact metres, completing 110 tackles and winning 15 turnovers.

His impact has also been reflected in Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy, with Savea the highest-scoring loose forward in the game and for six weeks of the competition, the most picked player.

Moana Pasifika currently occupy sixth position on the competition ladder, needing one more win to lock in their first-ever Finals appearance.

“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,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack 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.

“The Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year being a peer-voted award, where our players are recognised on a weekly basis by their fellow players and coaches, gives it the greatest possible significance.

“We are delighted that Ardie Savea is the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year.”

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 31 May.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR LADDER (POST ROUND 14)
Ardie Savea - 42
Tom Hooper - 31
Damian McKenzie - 28
Carlo Tizzano - 27
Timoci Tavatavanawai - 26
Langi Gleeson - 26
Fraser McReight - 26

Can confirm Devan Flanders played the whole second 40 for Havelock North v Taradale. Havelock won 38-31 against the previously unbeaten Taradale.

Devan Flanders named to play club rugby tomorrow for Havelock North v Taradale.

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2025:

Canes players playing Club Rugby in Wellington this weekend are:

• Daniel Sinkinson (Wainuiomata)
• TJ Clarke (Petone)
• Hugo Plummer (Tawa)

Others likely playing in other regions as well.

Update on Harry Godfrey, he will likely make his return later than expected, due back round 15 against the Reds.

Pouri Rakete-Stones playing for Napier Pirates v Clive.

Probably means Patrick Tuifua will be sticking around a lot longer?

He was originally only there as cover until Iose comes back.

@African-Monkey said in Super Rugby 2025:

From the Blues, I can't for the life of me remember Mike Reid.

Also. I remember the game v the Reds in 2016, was a 25-25 draw, but are they sure about the Mike Mayhew one? I feel like it was Nic Mayhew who played that day. He played a lot for us that season, I don't recall Mike Mayhew playing that game.

Going by the Rugby Almanack you are correct - Nic Mayhew played eight game for the Blues in 2016, Mike Mayhew never played for the Blues.

Kane Williamson out for 60.
171 minutes, 122 balls, 7 fours.

Kane Williamson 53* for ND v Auckland.

Brought up his 50 in 154 minutes off 112 balls, 7 fours.

@Chris said in Hurricanes 2025:

What happened to the rumoured Patrick Tuifua signing ?,has he changed his mind or gone to another franchise.You wouldn't think he would have taken a WTG contract when he would earn much more money in France.

Tuifua is "signed" as pre-season injury cover only for Brayden Iose who had surgery during the NPC. Once Iose returns to full fitness, maybe not in time for season opener, then Tuifua will be gone unless there are injuries to other loose forwards.

NZR have not changed Ireland to France in the update.