Scott Barrett named Crusaders Player of the Year

Crusaders lock Scott Barrett has been named the 2019 Player of the Year, at the club's annual awards dinner held at Christchurch Casino’s Sixty6 on Peterborough on Tuesday night.

Awards were presented to the BNZ Crusaders’ Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year and Champion Crusader of the Year, with the rookie and player of the year awards decided by the coaching group, and champion Crusader a peer-voted award for the player's contribution to the team environment.

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said: "It was fantastic to bring our wider organisation, the team, partners and sponsors together on Tuesday, for what was both an acknowledgment of individual success and a celebration of the efforts of our entire organisation so far in 2019.

"As the team prepares to play their final regular season match at home this weekend, it was nice to take pause and reflect on their season so far, thank those who will be leaving the club at the end of the season, and wish the team all the very best for the coming weeks."

Sevu Reece was named Rookie of the Year following an outstanding debut season for the club, including 10 tries in 10 matches. First five-eighth Richie Mo'unga secured both the Champion Crusader Award and People's Choice - a new award this year as voted by fans.

As well as the three main awards of the evening, the seven BNZ Crusaders' debutants this season were also acknowledged.

Crusaders 2019 Super Rugby debutants:

Crusader #231 - Will Jordan
Crusader #232 - Sevu Reece
Crusader #233 - George Bower
Crusader #234 - Isi Tu'ungafasi
Crusader #235 - Leicester Faingaanuku
Crusader #236 - Ngane Punivai
Crusader #237 - Brodie McAlister

Crusaders 2019 award winners:

Rookie of the Year: Sevu Reece
Presented by Crusaders Captain Sam Whitelock

Player of the Year: Scott Barrett
Presented by Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge

Champion Crusader of the Year: Richie Mo'unga
Presented by 2018 Champion Crusader award winner Codie Taylor