12 Dec 2015

Nonu wins top honour at Rugby Awards

7:01 am on 12 December 2015

Former All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu has won the coveted Player of the Year title at the annual Rugby Awards.

Ma'a Nonu

Ma'a Nonu Photo: PhotoSport

Nonu, who played 103 tests for the All Blacks, was part of New Zealand's successful title defence at the Rugby World Cup in England last month.

Ma'a Nonu played a key role in both the All Blacks and Hurricanes 2015 season.

Ma'a Nonu scores RWC2015 final.

Ma'a Nonu scores RWC2015 final. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

He's now playing professional rugby in France, and via a video message at the awards ceremony in Auckland he said he'd been very humbled and grateful to be part of the All Blacks.

All Blacks' coach Steve Hansen was named coach of the year for the fourth successive year.

Ma'a Nonu presented with his silver cap after playing his 100th Test RWC2015

Ma'a Nonu presented with his silver cap after playing his 100th Test RWC2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Ma'a Nonu with the William Webb Ellis Cup.

Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Ma'a Nonu with the William Webb Ellis Cup. Photo: AFP