The Crusaders closed out their season with an awards ceremony to celebrate the best of us and our achievements throughout the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The boys and management staff from across the franchise gathered on Tuesday 4 June to reflect on the season that was, acknowledge players who are finishing their time with the Crusaders and share a meal together.
“It’s a special evening for us and the team, a great chance to connect away from the field and the gym and share in genuine moments after what has been a tough season together,” said Rob Penney, Crusaders Head Coach.
Three awards are given out every year – Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, and Champion Crusader.
And the winners are:
Jamie Hannah – Rookie of the Year
A huge presence on the field, Jamie is a product of the Crusaders Academy and shone in his debut season. He earned three caps in 2023 but it was in 2024 he earned a full contract. He added another 13 caps to his resume this year, including five starts.
Sevu Reece – Player of the Year
This season, our super star winger Sevu became the franchise’s top try scorer overtaking long-standing leader Caleb Ralph. Huge. His on-field performances became the talk of the competition and despite us not getting through to finals his tries are peppered through the highlights of the season.
George Bower – Champion Crusader
The Champion Crusader is a player that lives the values of a Crusader on and off the field, and is voted by peers. George Bower was responsible for some scrummaging dominance this season alongside his fellow front rowers, while also bringing huge energy to Rugby Park. His spontaneity and creativity, confidence and humour, helped the team through some tough weeks. His personality continues to guide the culture of the Crusaders.
