Ardie Savea is Moana Man of the Year

Ardie Savea has received the highest honour as the Moana Man of the Year during the 2025 Super Rugby Pasifika team's prizegiving ceremony in Auckland on Tuesday evening.

The captain has been hugely influential in elevating Moana to its most successful season in history and has had a standout individual season. Along with taking home the top gong, Savea was also crowned the Fans' Player of the Year.

Rising star and competition carries leader, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, won Rookie of the Year and the Tangaloa Award for Best Defensive Player.

After becoming a replacement player, the 21-year-old has overtaken the Super Rugby Pacific Competition.

In round two, he was given a starting spot due to injuries and hasn't looked back, owning his place in the loose forward trio. With 192 carries to his name, Tupou Ta'eiloa is still 29 ahead of the next best.

Miracle Faiilagi and Kyren Taumoefolau were joint recipients of the Maui Award for Best Attacking Player, a testament to their offensive finesse, which has helped Moana become one of the highest-scoring teams in the competition.

With eight tries each, Faiilagi and Taumoefolau remain in the top 10 for tries scored in Super Rugby Pacific and have performed consistently at a high level weekly.

Melani Matavao received the Personal Development Award, which was presented to a player who works diligently on their off-field growth and holistic development.

Monu Moli also received the Tautua Award, which celebrates a person who leads through service to the team and the wider community.

The Moana Pasifika Under 20s Player of the Year was Jay Dunne, who played a significant role in the team that competed at the Super Rugby Under 20s Tournament in Taupō.

The event also acknowledged Julian Savea's (300 first-class matches), Sione Havili Talitui's (50 Super Rugby games), and Jonathan Taumateine's (50 Super Rugby games) milestones.

Moana Pasifika Awards 2025

Moana Man of the Year - Ardie Savea

Maui La'auli Savae Michael Jones Award for Best Attacking Player - Miracle Faiilagi and Kyren Taumoefolau

Tangaloa Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams Award for Best Defensive Player - Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa

Niu Award for Rookie of the Year - Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa

Fans' Player of the Year - Ardie Savea

Personal Development Award - Melani Matavao

Tautua Service Award - Monu Moli

U20s Player of the Year - Jay Dunne

Photo/MoanaPasifika