Bay of Plenty Rugby recognised excellence in the game when the inaugural Speights Bay of Plenty Rugby awards were held at Kiwi 360 just outside Te Puke on Thursday.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers says the inaugural Speights Bay of Plenty Rugby awards provided the Union with the opportunity to recognise the achievements of a wide range of teams and individuals involved with rugby in the Bay of Plenty.

File pic.

'We have some outstanding talent in our region along with some fantastic coaches, referees and volunteers. We are looking forward to celebrating the 2012 season with them.”

Inspirational Steamers stand-in captain Tanerau Latimer won the supreme award of the Bay of Plenty Steamers MVP (Most Valuable Player) and was also selected as the player's player of the year by his peers.

Luke Braid was given the forward of the year, Lelia Masaga took home the back of the year trophy, and Kenny Lynn awarded the trainer of the year.

Steamers head coach Kevin Schuler says Tanerau Latimer came off a big season with the Chiefs and continued to perform, game in game out, throughout the season.

'When Jamie Nutbrown was injured in the first match of the campaign, Tanerau picked up the captains mantle to lead his side from the front”. 'He is held in the highest regard by team management and fellow players alike.

'Similarly, Luke Braid earned the forward of the year because of his consistently relentless play and his performance when we toppled Auckland was simply outstanding. He was as easily at home in the number six jersey or at the back of the scrum.”

Kevin says Lelia, who picked up the back of the year trophy, was always dangerous on attack and broke the opposition line with ease, becoming the key figure in giving the team go forward.

'Kenny Lynn prepared and trained well and on the back of this he finished the season with the most game time.”

Nick Evemy, who was asked to switch to mid-field after playing first five all season, was selected as the Bay of Plenty Development team player of the year.

Always combative and competitive Nick always punched above his weight in the physical exchanges.

He had a great eye for a gap and his outstanding performance against Waikato played a big part in the defeat of the Bay side's arch rivals.

Development team forward of the year was Dan O'Rourke, who possessed an outstanding work ethic at both training and on game day.

Dan played a physical game and set aside several injury niggles to play all but one of his teams matches.

Willie Ripia who was adjudged the back of the year brought a professional attitude and vast experience to the team.

His input and analysis was highly valued by the coaching staff, with his goal kicking a real match winner.

Bay of Plenty Under 20 forward John-Bosco Tagaloa was asked to switch from loose-head to tight-head prop, which he did without complaint.

Outstanding leadership skills, with the ability to challenge his teammates and get them out of their comfort zone, saw the young front row player selected as the Bay Under 20 side's player of the year.

At the end of the season he had earned a ranking with the best front rowers in the Northern Region competition.

Incredible fitness, high work rate and enthusiasm at training and on game day, earned Mungo Mason the Bay of Plenty Under 18 team player of the year.

Mungo overcame a serious foot injury prior to the rep season and worked tirelessly to make the starting fifteen each week.

His reading of the game and an eye for a gap with the ball in hand coupled with an incredibly high tackle count resulted in Mungo picking up his teams supreme player award.

The Bay of Plenty Under 16 team management and players voted Leighton Hika the player of the year.

The tight-head prop is a technically outstanding player and had a very high work rate on the field.

He was always seeking advice from his coaching team and is a young player who should have a big future.

Jade Murray took out Bay of Plenty Under 16 Development team top award.

Jade led from the front with damaging runs and rock solid defence and while he had a tough job leading the team's defensive unit, he never shirked his responsibility.

Courtney Mohi won the Te Waiariki Maori senior team player of the year award, with some outstanding performances during the early season competition.

He not only created chance for his outside back but also finished them off in style as well. Outstanding overall leadership from Adrian Clay saw him pick up both the Te Waiariki best forward and player of the year trophies.

Nathaniel Walker was selected as the Bay of Plenty 7's player of the year, because of his vast experience at the sevens game and his overall leadership skills.

Nathan introduced an excellent team building culture to the side and demonstrated solid defence under pressure.

Calli Tuner who received the Bay of Plenty Women 7's top award was role model to her younger teammates, who seamlessly balanced motherhood, work and true dedication on the rugby field.

Speights Bay of Plenty Rugby Union 2012 Rugby Awards

Bay of Plenty Steamers

MVP Tanerau Latimer (selected by the coaching team)

Forward of the year Luke Braid

Back of the year Lelia Masaga

Trainer of the year Kendrick (Kenny) Lynn

Players player Tanerau Latimer (selected by the players)

Bay of Plenty Development

Player of the year Nick Evemy

Back of the year Willie Ripia

Forward of the year Dan O'Rourke

Bay of Plenty Under 20

Player of the year John-Bosco Tagaloa

Back of the year Matt Axtens

Forward of the year Maioni Latailakepa

Bay of Plenty Under 18

Player of the year Mungo Mason

Back of the year Dan Hollingshead

Forward of the year Sean Peake

Bay of Plenty Under 16

Player of the year Leighton Hika

Back of the year Burton McAdam

Forward of the year Ben Webby

Bay of Plenty Under 16 Development

Player of the year Jade Murray

Back of the year Bill Carter

Forward of the year Ben McDell

Bay of Plenty Secondary Schoolgirls

Player of the year Lorilei Punga

Back of the year Crystal Walters

Forward of the year Kathleen Kelly

Te Waiariki Maori Senior Team

Player of the year Courtney Mohi

Back of the year Akira Mako

Forward of the year Hamish Boyce

Te Waiariki Maori Colts

Player of the year Adrian Clay

Back of the year Tauriri Kepa

Forward of the year Adrian Clay

Bay of Plenty 7's

Player of the year (Men's) - Nathaniel Walker

Player of the year (Women's) – Calli Turner