Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster could yet have the last laugh on his way out the door as he appears a good chance to win New Zealand Rugby’s coach of the year award at an event on December 14.
Foster, who led the All Blacks to the recent World Cup final in Paris won 12-11 by South Africa, made the shortlist of the World Rugby coach of the year awards, only to miss out to Ireland coach Andy Farrell.
However, Foster appears well set to win the New Zealand version given his achievements in taking the All Blacks to the brink of glory despite knowing it would be his final task with the team before he handed the reins to Scott Robertson.
He also faced adversity in Paris - as 1News reported recently, Foster's wife Leigh and daughter Michaela were confronted by a man with a knife before the opening match against France.
The Black Ferns had a disappointing recent World XV1 tournament on home soil which is likely to rule out their coach Allan Bunting, who is in his first year with the team. New Zealand Rugby have not named their shortlist, merely saying all national coaches (for teams in black) are in the running.
Robertson, who led the Crusaders to their seventh consecutive title this year, will be favourite to beat Nigel Walsh (South Canterbury) and Neil Barnes (Taranaki) for national men's coach of the year.
New Zealand Rugby today released the awards shortlists without naming the city in which the event will be held. The event will be broadcast live by Sky Television.
Jordie Barrett, brother Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea and Aaron Smith have been nominated for the All Blacks player of the year award. Savea recently won the World Rugby player of the year award.
“Congratulations to all those nominated for awards, it is a reflection on the hard work and tenacity shown across all levels of the game both on and off the field,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.
“We’ve had another bumper year of rugby so it's fantastic to be able to recognise the teams and individuals that have contributed to that."
2023 ASB Rugby Award nominees
New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year
Maggie Cogger-Orr, Angus Mabey, Ben O’Keeffe
Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year
Chris Fife (Northland), John Hume (Counties Manukau), Sharlene Wiselam (Canterbury), Allen Grainger (Waikato)
Bunnings Warehouse Rugby Club of the Year
Tamatea Rugby Sports Clubs (Hawke’s Bay), Auckland University Rugby Football Club (Auckland), Beachlands Maraetai Rugby Club (Counties Manukau)
Te Hāpai New Zealand Rugby Community Impact Award
Steven Li (Asian Non-Contact Rugby Program), Te Kahurangi Skelton (Otago Māori Rugby), Richard Perkins (Otago Rugby Football Union)
New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year
Harry Godfrey (Hawke’s Bay), Macca Springer (Tasman), Angelica Mekeke-Vahai (Auckland)
Ian Kirkpatrick Medal (Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship Player of the Year)
Siu Kakala (South Canterbury), Stuart Leach (Poverty Bay), Alekesio Vakarorogo (Whanganui)
Duane Monkley Medal (Bunnings Warehouse NPC Player of the Year)
Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau), Adrian Choat (Auckland), Fergus Burke (Canterbury), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Tasman)
Fiao’o Faamausili Medal (FPC presented by Bunnings Warehouse Player of the Year)
Krysten Cottrell (Hawke’s Bay), Laura Bayfield (Canterbury), Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Manawatu)
ASB National Men’s Coach of the Year
Nigel Walsh (South Canterbury), Neil Barnes (Taranaki), Scott Robertson (Crusaders)
ASB National Women’s Coach of the Year
Rawinia Everitt (Northland), Blair Baxter (Matatū), Willie Walker (Auckland)
ASB New Zealand Coach of the Year
All teams in black coaches eligible
DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year
Mark Tele’a (Blues), Scott Barrett (Crusaders), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Player of the Year
Renee Holmes (Matatū), Lucy Jenkins (Matatū), Luka Connor (Chiefs Manawa), Tanya Kalounivale (Chiefs Manawa)
Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year
Aaron Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu, Manawatu), Billy Harmon (Ngāi Tahu), Stacey Waaka (Ngāi Tūhoe), Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (Nga Puhi, Ngai Tahuhu)
Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year
Leroy Carter, Akuila Rokolisoa, Dylan Collier
Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year
Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane
Black Ferns Player of the Year
Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Amy du Plessis
All Blacks Player of the Year
Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith
adidas National Men’s Team of the Year
Crusaders, Taranaki Bulls, South Canterbury
adidas National Women’s Team of the Year
Auckland Storm, Northland Kauri, Matatū
adidas New Zealand Team of the Year
All teams in black eligible
To be presented on the night: Steinlager Salver – Outstanding contribution to New Zealand Rugby and Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year.
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