MA’A NONU HAS been named player of the year at the New Zealand rugby awards, as he gets set to make his European debut for Toulon against Leinster on Sunday.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb streak of form in 2015, helping the Hurricanes to the Super Rugby final and then playing an outstanding role in the All Blacks’ World Cup success.

Nonu is set to partner Mathieu Bastareaud in the centre against Leinster. Claude Paris Claude Paris

Nonu subsequently joined Toulon, making his Top 14 debut in a 53-23 win over Agen last weekend. He is now preparing to play in the Champions Cup for the first time when Toulon host Leinster at Stade Mayol this weekend.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks were named team of the year at the awards ceremony in Auckland and Steve Hansen picked up the trophy for the best coach in 2015.

World Cup star Nehe Milner-Skudder was selected as the Maori player of the year, while Highlanders’ out-half Lima Sopoaga was picked as the best Super Rugby player in the 2015 season.

George Moala of Auckland was named ITM Cup player of 2015, while the hugely promising Akira Ioane scooped the age grade player of the year honour.

The above score from Samu Kubunavanua for Wanganui against South Canterbury was picked as the try of the year.

2015 Steinlager Rugby Awards winners:

New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year
Akira Ioane (Auckland)

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteers of the Year
Tania Karaitiana and Vio Ugone (Wellington)

New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year
Glen Jackson (Bay of Plenty)

Pink Batts Heartland Championship Player of the Year
Lindsay Horrocks (Wanganui)

New Zealand Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year
Tyla Nathan-Wong (Auckland)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year
Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)

Sky Television Fans Try of the Year 
Samu Kubunavanua (Wanganui)

ITM Cup Player of the Year
George Moala (Auckland)

Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year
Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders)

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year)
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Ngati Porou/Tapuika)

New Zealand Rugby Women’s Player of the Year
Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)

Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby
Mike Eagle (Canterbury)

New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year
Steve Hansen (All Blacks)

adidas Team of the Year
All Blacks

Kelvin R Tremain Player of the Year
Ma’a Nonu (Wellington, Hurricanes and All Blacks)

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