Ethan Blackadder named Crusaders player of the year

Crusaders backrower Ethan Blackadder has been named 2022 Player of the Year at the NZ club's annual awards function.

Crusaders players and their partners, as well as team personnel, management, and commercial partners, attended the awards ceremony today at the Christchurch Town Hall.

The Crusaders Rookie of the Year, Forward of the Year, Back of the Year, and Player of the Year were all chosen by the Crusaders coaching staff and presented during the evening.

After an outstanding rookie season in the second row, Zach Gallagher, 20, was voted Rookie of the Year. Cullen Grace, a hardworking and versatile loose forward, was named Forward of the Year, while Will Jordan, the competition's leading carrier with eight tries, was named Back of the Year.

In addition to being awarded Player of the Year, Blackadder, 27, earned the Champion Crusader Award for the second year in a row, which is the only peer-voted award that recognizes a player's unselfish commitment to the team atmosphere, both on and off the field.

Te Marohirohi, a new award this year, is named after someone in our team who has demonstrated dedication, perseverance, strength, and bravery. Assistant Coach Tamati Ellison presented Pablo Matera with the prize, praising the Argentinian international for "being resolute in his commitment to bring his skill and experience into our environment, and to leave his mark on the club."

Crusaders 2022 award winners:

Rookie of the Year: Zach Gallagher

Presented by Crusaders lock, Sam Whitelock

Forward of the Year: Cullen Grace

Presented by Crusaders Forwards Coach, Jason Ryan

Back of the Year: Will Jordan

Presented by Crusaders Backs Coach, Andrew Goodman

Player of the Year: Ethan Blackadder

Presented by Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson

Te Marohirohi: Pablo Matera

Presented by Crusaders Assistant Coach, Tamati Ellison

Champion Crusader of the Year: Ethan Blackadder

Presented by Crusaders Captain, Scott Barrett