Cape Town - Ma'a Nonu, who was once unwanted by any New Zealand franchise, has added to his list of incredible achievements in 2015 by being named New Zealand's Player of the Year.
According to the NZ Herald website, the block-busting midfielder, who returned to the Hurricanes in February before playing an integral role for the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup, also won his 100th cap this year.
His competition for the Kelvin Tremain award came from fellow All Blacks Daniel Carter, Dane Coles and Ben Smith.
Nonu, who is now in France with French club Toulon, has never previously been named New Zealand's Player of the Year.
Nonu can also take some credit in Nehe Milner-Skudder being named Maori Player of the Year.
The 24-year-old Milner-Skudder was the beneficiary of Nonu's linebreaking and became one of the most exciting players in Super Rugby and at the World Cup.
Liam Sopoaga, who won his first test cap this year, picked up the Super Rugby Player of the Year award to hearten everyone that the nation's stocks of first-fives are in good health.
All Black coach Steve Hansen was named coach of the year and George Moala picked up the award for the best player in the ITM Cup.
There was further good news for Aucklander Akira Ioane, who was named as the age-grade player of the year. Ioane enjoyed a stunning debut season with the Blues before helping the New Zealand Under-20s win the Junior World Championship for the first time since 2011.
Winners
New Zealand Rugby Age Grade Player of the Year: Akira Ioane (Auckland)
Charles Monro Rugby Volunteers of the Year: Tania Karaitiana and Vio Ugone (Wellington)
New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year: Glen Jackson (Bay of Plenty)
Pink Batts Heartland Championship Player of the Year: Lindsay Horrocks (Whanganui)
New Zealand Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year: Tyla Nathan-Wong (Auckland)
Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year: Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)
Sky Television Fans' Try of the Year: Samu Kubunavanua (Whanganui)
ITM Cup Player of the Year: George Moala (Auckland)
Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year: Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders)
Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year: Nehe Milner-Skudder (Ngati Porou/Tapuika)
New Zealand Rugby Women's Player of the Year: Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)
Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby: Mike Eagle (Canterbury)
New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year: Steve Hansen (All Blacks)
adidas Team of the Year: All Blacks
Kelvin R Tremain Player of the Year: Ma'a Nonu (Wellington, Hurricanes and All Blacks)