The impressive South Canterbury team and loose forward Siu Kakala won the top awards in their respective categories at the New Zealand Rugby Awards.
The South Canterbury Heartland side beat the Crusaders and the Taranaki Bulls to be named national men’s team of the year, after going unbeaten in 2023 to claim their third title on the bounce.
South Canterbury pipped both the Crusaders and NPC champions Taranaki for the title.
The powerful Kakala was named Heartland player of the year and received the prestigious Ian Kirkpatrick Medal.
He beat fellow finalists Poverty Bay’s Stuart Leach and Whanganui’s Alekesio Vakarorogo.
The 26-year-old No 8 was impressive all season and turned into a try-scoring machine, finishing the season just one short of tying the Heartland Championship record of 14.
After an unbeaten Heartland season, Nigel Walsh was one of three nominated as national coach of the year but missed out to Taranaki’s Neil Barnes who guided the amber and blacks to the NPC title. The third coach nominated in that category was the Crusaders’ Scott Robertson, so Walsh was in very good company.
Timaru product Jorja Miller was also in the mix for Black Ferns Sevens player of the year on her breakthrough season, but missed out to Stacey Waaka.
Walsh said he was very, very proud of his team.
‘‘It’s an acknowledgement of what we have achieved, three cups in three years. It means so much.’’
Walsh said it was not only an accolade for the team but the province as a whole.
‘‘All those who have been part of it from the physio, team management, players, coaching group, the clubs and union and the wider community who have supported us all the way.
‘‘It’s something special that the team can treasure, now and no doubt in future years. To be recognised along with the Crusaders and Taranaki is pretty cool.’’
Walsh said he was proud of Kakala.
‘‘His win was well deserved after being nominated last year, as well.
‘‘Siu was instrumental both on and off the field with his leadership. He’s a humble guy with a lot of mana.’’
Walsh was not at all worried not to have won coach of the year.
‘‘It was a privilege to be nominated but the one I wanted was the team award, as it acknowledges everyone involved, including the community.’’
