Tavatavanawai pipped for player of the year

Braydon Ennor tries to hold on to a charging Quinn Tupea during the Super Rugby Pacific semi final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs last week. Photo: Getty Images

RNZ Sport reporters

Chiefs and All Blacks midfielder Quinn Tupaea has been named Super Rugby's player of the year.

Tupaea and Highlanders centre Timoci Tavatavanawai finished level on Player of the Year votes after Round 16.

But the Chiefs star held on to claim the honour via the tiebreaker of receiving more 'three votes' from the independent media panel across the season.

Timoci Tavatavanawai fends off Western Force players in Dunedin earlier this year. PHOTO: GERARD O'BRIEN/ODT

New Zealand-based players Ethan de Groot, Xavier Numia, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Anton Segner, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Caleb Tangitau, Tupaea and Tavatavanawai were all named in the Team of the Year.

Waratahs winger Sid Harvey claimed the competition's inaugural rookie of the year title, finishing well clear of Lucas Casey of the Highlanders.

"Quinn Tupaea is a most deserving winner of the Player of the Year Award, having been one of the competition's most consistent star performers and playing a leading role in the success the Chiefs have enjoyed in 2026," Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley said.