CNI 1st XV Rugby MVP Award Renamed The Jordie Barrett MVP Medal

The Central North Island (CNI) 1stXV Rugby competition is proud to announce that its prestigious 1st XV Most Valuable Player award will now be known as the Jordie Barrett MVP Medal, honouring one of the competition’s most accomplished alumni and its first graduate to become an All Black.

Jordie Barrett, a proud Old Boy of Francis Douglas Memorial College (FDMC), was a key member of the school’s 1st XV and helped lead the side to the CNI title in 2013. His rise from school rugby to the international stage has made him a role model for young players across the region, reflecting the values of excellence, humility, and determination that the CNI competition champions.

Beginning this season, the Jordie Barrett MVP Medal will be awarded to three outstanding players:

• First Place – Jordie Barrett MVP Medal
• Second Place – CNI MVP Silver Award
• Third Place – CNI MVP Bronze Award

This new tiered structure recognises the depth of talent within the competition and celebrates a broader group of exceptional athletes.

Jordie Barrett shared his appreciation for the honour: “The CNI competition played a huge part in shaping my rugby journey, and I’m incredibly humbled to have this award named after me. I hope it inspires young players to chase their goals and enjoy every moment of their school rugby experience.”

Principal of Francis Douglas Memorial College Tim Stuck added: “Jordie represents the very best of what our school and the CNI competition stand for—commitment, character, and a passion for the game. We are immensely proud of his achievements, and it is fitting that future MVPs will receive an award bearing his name.”

Previous winners of the CNI 1st XV Rugby MVP award include All Black Tupou Vaa’i in 2017, Konradd Newland in 2021, Dylan Homan in 2022 and most recently Noah Rogers in 2025.

The newly established awards will be presented for the first time at the conclusion of the upcoming CNI 1st XV season.

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