The under 13 and under 15s came together to celebrate 2025, with many players finishing up their junior rugby playing days at Pakuranga.

Several players and coaches were honoured for their efforts on and off the field with major prizes.

The evening’s biggest playing award went to Ashton Morris, recognised as the Best Player in All Grades with the Nan Bell Memorial Trophy.

“Ashton has shown exceptional growth from U5s to now, consistently giving their best over eight years. He combines skill, commitment, and leadership both on and off the field, always pushing to improve while showing humility and sportsmanship.”

Max McQueen won the Shaun Cassidy Memorial Cup for Most Promising Open Player.

“Over the past two years, Max has shown great growth and resilience, after an injury-plagued season, he bounced back to become a standout on the field. Max leads by example, embodies the club’s values, and inspires his teammates with strength and passion.”

The two other major players awards went to Abel Robinson and Oliver White, winning the Jeremy Field Memorial Trophy and the Owen Spalding Trophy respectively.

Abel was recognised as the Team Player of the Year for displaying team spirit, supporting his teammates being unselfish in his position within the team and encouraging team harmony and spirit, while Oliver’s award was for overall commitment, dedication, attitude, attendance, leadership, skill level both on and on the field.

Off field, the Under 13 Nitro’s management were recognised, with Andrew White receiving the Roger Priest Cup for Volunteer of the Season, Steph Tuionetoa the Rob Bennett Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Contribution by a Female Member and Frans Maritz the W.S Turner Trophy for Intermediate Team Management. Rob Hunkin received the Michael Meek Memorial Trophy for Dedication shown by a Coach/Manager/Referee for his efforts with the Under 13 Turbo Chargers.

A full list of award winners:

Under 13

Turbochargers

• Most Improved: AJ Booysen

• Forward of the Year: Caden Van Niekerk

• Back of the Year: Luke Pinder

Nitros

• Most Improved: Matthew Dennis

• Forward of the Year: Tate Purcell

• Back of the Year: Onelani Ngata

Under 15

Rip – Emeralds

• Most Valuable Player: Kenzey Colebrook

• Most Improved: Sofia Hornsby

• Sportsmanship: Izzy Quarterman

Pounamu

• Most Improved: Sammie Bongiovanni

• Forward of the Year: Paseka Tua

• Back of the Year: Zaylee Herbst

Grade Awards

Brent MacKenzie Memorial Cup for Under 13 Dedicated Player: Nixon Schwager

Salesi Piutau Cup for Under 13 Outstanding Sportsmanship: Xavier Grant

Under 15 Most Dedicated Player Trophy: Anaya Morris

Under 15 Outstanding Sportsmanship Trophy: Lucy McCabe

Article added: Friday 26 September 2025