Sam Cane capped his debut season as All Blacks captain with two honours at New Zealand's annual Rugby Awards when he was named the overall Player of the Year as well as All Black of the Year.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2020
Loose forward Cane, who was named captain in May, led an All Blacks side that retained the Bledisloe Cup for the 18th straight season before sealing the Tri Nations title earlier this month.
However, it was the Black Ferns Sevens who picked up the Team of the Year award for a third straight time after they claimed the World Rugby Sevens Series as championship leaders when the competition was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their coaches Allan Bunting and Corey Sweeney were named international coaches of the year, with Super Rugby Aotearoa champion Crusaders' mentor Scott Robertson named domestic coach of the year.
Māori All Blacks captain, Highlanders and Hawke's Bay hooker Ash Dixon won the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year, while his Hawke's Bay teammate halfback Folau Fakatava was awarded the Duane Monkley Medal for the best player in the Mitre 10 Cup.
Canterbury halfback Kendra Cocksedge received the Fiao'o Faamausili Medal for Player of the Farah Palmer Cup, while Waikato Captain and midfielder Chelsea Alley was rewarded with the Black Ferns Player of the Year.
Former All Black Bryan Williams was named this year's Steinlager Salver in recognition of his contribution to rugby over five decades.
"Sam Cane was a formidable leader in 2020 and performed so admirably in the black jersey, while Ash Dixon was a force in every jersey he donned this year," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.
"It's fantastic to see Sir Bryan recognised for his monumental contribution to the game, both on and off the field, with the Steinlager Salver. He is a truly deserving recipient.
"The Black Ferns Sevens continue to set the standard with their performances, and we look forward to seeing what they and the All Blacks Sevens can achieve next year."
-Reuters/RNZ
