Highlanders wrap up 2022 season with annual awards

The Highlander’s team of 2022 signed off their season with their annual awards presented at a team prizegiving held at the Highlander’s offices. The traditional gala night occasion involving sponsors and players partners being cancelled due to viral illness in the community.

The hardworking gentle giant, Saula Ma’u, was awarded the Rookie of the Year in his Super Rugby debut season where he made nine appearances for the club and held his own as a 22-year-old in the front row.

An imposing human being, Ma’u, has overcome both a shoulder and knee injury in consecutive years to return to full fitness to be available for selection and fight for a spot in the playing team each week.  

19-year-old Dutch-national, Fabian Holland, was awarded the University of Otago U20 Player of the Year. Holland moved to New Zealand as a 16-year-old to pursue his rugby dream and has been a member of the Highlander’s High Performance Programme since 2021. 

Jermaine Ainsley took out the battle for Forward of the Year. Ainsley spent 2021 on the side-lines and had to bide his time to pull on the Highlanders jersey but since his debut in round one he was unstoppable

Thomas Umaga-Jensen had an outstanding year and received three awards. After joining the Highlander’s in 2018 Umaga-Jensen had a horror run with injuries, however, his 2022 season saw him play 11 games, almost equalling the number of caps of the previous four seasons and become a formidable asset both on attack and defence for the Highlander’s. 

Marino Mikaele-Tu’u was awarded the Pulse Energy Player of the Year for being the most valuable player on the field in 2022.

2022 HIGHLANDER’S AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Dunedin City Motors Fan Player – Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Forward of the Year – Jermaine Ainsley

NZME Back of the Year – Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Defender of the Year – James Lentjes

Speight’s Players’ Player – Thomas Umaga-Jensen

University of Otago U20 Player of the Year – Fabian Holland

Rookie of the Year – Saula Ma’u

Pulse Energy Player of the Year – Marino Mikaele-Tu’u

Highlander Man – James Lentjes