Bay of Plenty Rugby has celebrated the success, efforts and achievements of its players, coaches, referees and volunteers.
The 2017 Carrus Bay of Plenty Rugby Awards evening was held at the ASB Stadium Lounge last nightin front of a large audience of teammates, family, supporters and sponsors.
Te Puke Sports and Recreation Club's Deborah Keenleyside and Ashley Peat collected the Carrus Bay of Plenty Rugby Supreme Award. Keenleyside and Peat, life members of the club, have completed a term of 21 continuous years in their respective positions as president and club administrator.
Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens player Kelly Brazier was voted the Tauranga City Council Sports Person of the year. She was a valuable member of the successful Black Ferns Rugby World Cup campaign and an integral member of the Black Ferns Sevens team.
In continuation of women's success the HOBEC Representative Coach of the Year was awarded to Bay of Plenty Sevens coach Victoria Grant. Recently appointed to the New Zealand Under-17 Sevens coaching position, Grant had delivered a successful 2016/17 sevens campaign to see her side finish a commendable fifth at the Bayleys National Sevens.
The Bay of Plenty Volcanix's confirmation in the Mitre 10 Farah Palmer Cup Championship Final secured the team the Staples Rodway Representative Team of the Year. Having only won one game in the past two seasons the side have drawn with Premiership side Auckland and delivered wins against all their Championship opponents, securing themselves a home final, a first for the side.
Tom Franklin was the standout for the Steamers collecting the Rotorua Central Mall Steamers Player of the Year alongside the Seeka Steamers Players Player and the McFall Steamers Forward of the Year.
The Bayleys Steamers Back of the Year went to elusive winger Monty Ioane, while the BNZ Steamers Rookie of the Year was presented to consistent halfback Richard Judd. Crowd favourite Mike Delany was awarded the Farmer Autovillage Fan FAV.
