Fiji Rugby to honor the best of 2019 at Annual Awards ga-la
The stage is set and the highlights reel is sure to sizzle with the nominees list released today for the 2019 Fiji Rugby Annual Awards.
In a year that saw the World Sevens Series, Sevens Player of the Year. Rugby World Cup and Cup Qualifiers PLUS hotly contested Provincial competitions, there is plenty to be added to the Fiji Rugby honor roll for 2019.
Fiji Rugby Chief Executive John O’Connor said “The Annual Awards is our chance to acknowledge the hard-work and contribution to rugby and celebrate those who have excelled for the year 2019”.
In its fourth installment, the Fiji Rugby Annual Awards presented by Coca-Cola in conjuction with event partners Telecom Fiji, Paradise Beverages and Victoria Wines Gato Negro label will be held at Grand Pacific Hotel this Saturday night.
Mr O’Connor said with the depth of talent nominated in each category, the evening is sure to showcase the incredible year Fiji enjoyed on and off the global rugby stage.
“There are 18 awards up for grab with an exciting list of nominees who all deserve recognition for their tremendous contribution across the year.” said O’Connor.
For the main prizes of male and female player of the year, any number of our champions could take home the accolades.
World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Jerry Tuwai has plenty of competition to take out back to back Fiji Airways Fijian 7s awards with current Skipper and 2018/2019 Rookie of the year Meli Derenalagi and DHL Impact Player Vilimoni Botitu rounding out the trio of nominees.
In a team that grew from strength to strength in 2019, retaining their place in the core group of the HSBC Series and qualifying for Tokyo Olympics; the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s nominees Reijeli Daveua, Tokasa Seniyasi, and Aloesi Nakoci could each justly take out the main prize.
The Fiji Airways Fijiana were equally impressive in 2019 earning qualification for the 2021 Rugby World Cup and taking out the Oceania Womens Championship for a second time. Nominated for their top prize is Captain Seremaia Leweniqila, Rusila Nagasau and Aloesi Nakoci.
For the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians the July series against the Maori All Blacks, the Pacific Nations Cup, the Rugby World Cup and of course Barbarians test saw a full list of talent put their hands up to claim the nation’s top rugby prize.
Nominees include the hardworking and ever consistent local hero Mosese Voka, the tough yet classy Savusavu half-back Frank Lomani, and the electrifying thrill maker Semi Radradra, so who will it be to take out the number one award in the nation?
O’Connor said ‘’We congratulate all the nominees for this recognition and look forward to celebrating a tremendous year of Rugby with our rugby family on Saturday’’.
2019 Fiji Rugby Annual Awards Nominees List by Category:
Fijiana 7s Female Player of the Year – presented by Fiji Airways:
Reijeli Daveua, Tokasa Seniyasi, Rusila Nagasau
Fijian 7s Male Player of the Year – presented by Fiji Airways :
Seremaia Tuwai, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu
Fijiana Player of the Year – presented by Fiji Airways
Sereima Leweniqila, Rusila Nagasau, Aloesi Nakoci
Flying Fijians Player of the Year – presented by Fiji Airways
Frank Lomani, Semi Radradra, Mosese Voka
Fiji Under-20 Player of the Year – presented by Vodafone:
Tevita Ikanivere, Osea Waqa, Chris Minimbi
Provincial Rugby Female Player of the Year – presented by CJ Patel:
Rusila Nagasau, Laisa Taga, Aseri Galo
Provincial Rugby Male Player of the Year – presented by CJ Patel:
Johnny Dyer, Frank Lomani, Jiuta Waniqolo
Provincial Rugby Team of the Year – presented by Marsh:
Nadroga Mens, Suva Mens and Naitasiri Under-19
Coach of the Year – presented by Fiji Water:
Senirusi Seruvakula, Esala Nauga, Ilimo Vudiniabola
Match Official of the Year – presented by Tattslotto
Tevita Vosalevu, Tevita Rokovereni, Aisake Drekeni
Rugby Administrator of the Year – presented by Fiji Holdings:
Tiko Matawalu, Timoci Rabuli, Sakiusa Turagabeci
Other awards to be delivered at the event include:
- Fiji Secondary Schools male and female player of the year – presented by Vodafone.
- Fiji Primary Schools player of the year – presented by Vodafone
- Pacific Rugby Players Association Professional Development Award
- Fijian Drua Players Player
- Fiji Rugby Lifetime Achievement Award
- Fiji Rugby Hall of Fame inductee.
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