Fusitu'a And Demant Take Top Honours At Blues Awards

Two outstanding leaders of Blues rugby, Joshua Fusitu’a and Ruahei Demant, have taken top honours at the 2025 Blues Awards held on Thursday night.

Following a breakout season, Fusitu’a was honoured with the club’s top accolade, named as the Better Blues Company Player of the Year.

A model of professionalism, discipline, and growth, Fusitu’a cemented his spot in the starting XV with consistent, high-impact performances throughout 2025. His tireless preparation and attention to detail set the benchmark within the Blues environment.

Meanwhile, talented playmaker Demant capped off an incredible season by being named nib Blues Player of the Year.

With her vision, composure, and game-winning instincts, she played a defining role in the nib Blues’ campaign that saw them win back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles.

Her Player of the Match performance in the Super Rugby Women’s Champions final capped off one of many standout moments in a stellar year.

In other awards, AJ Lam was named nib Players’ Player of the Year - an award voted on by his teammates to reflect character, effort, and consistent contribution.

A work horse on and off the ball, Rieko Ioane took out CMC Markets Back of the Year, while Ricky Riccitelli was named MG Forward of the Year for his consistency in the engine room.

For the women, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe was named 2degrees nib Blues Back of the Year, following a shift to the midfield this season.

Maama Vaipulu earned Barfoot & Thompson nib Blues Forward of the Year, recognised for her unmatched work rate and impact.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee won Komatsu nib Blues Rookie of the Year and Women’s Fans’ Player of the Year after a sensational debut season, which included a Black Ferns debut.

Xavi Taele was named Blues Rookie of the Year, while Beauden Barrett was the Men’s Fans’ Player of the Year.

2025 BLUES AWARDS WINNERS

nib Blues Player of the Year
Ruahei Demant

Better Blues Company Player of the Year
Joshua Fusitu’a

nib Players’ Player of the Year
AJ Lam

2degrees nib Blues Back of the Year
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe

CMC Markets Blues Back of the Year
Rieko Ioane

Barfoot & Thompson nib Blues Forward of the Year
Maama Vaipulu

MG Blues Forward of the Year
Ricky Riccitelli

Komatsu nib Blues Rookie of the Year
Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Hello Fresh Blues Rookie of the Year
Xavi Taele

Blues Supporters 4Life Fans’ Player of the Year
Beauden Barrett and Braxton Sorensen-McGee

KFC Community Award
Katelyn Vaha’akolo

Lockton Development Player of the Year
Cohen Norrie

NZ Funds nib Blues Team Member of the Year
Amy Courtney

Barfoot & Thompson Mealamu Club Person of the Year
Danielle Bason

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