A Stratford Primary School pupil has won the top honour for Taranaki primary school rugby players.
Dylan Kowalewski (13) was awarded the Alf Bailey Award last month.
Dylan has been playing rugby for the school, and the Stratford Eltham junior club and was selected for the Taranaki Under 13, under 60kg team this year.
He says he is surprised to win the award.
"I had no idea that I was getting the award so it was quite surprising. I feel quite proud and excited."