Rugby: Black Ferns Sevens star Sarah Hirini scoops top prize at NZ Rugby Awards

Black Ferns Sevens star Sarah Hirini has stolen the show at the annual NZ Rugby Awards on Wednesday night.

Hirini, 29, scooped three major prizes, highlighted by the supreme award as Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year.

She becomes just the second woman - after Kendra Cocksedge in 2018 - to be awarded NZ Rugby's highest individual honour.

She also won Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year and became a two-time winner of the Tom French Memorial Māori Player of the Year award.

The Manawatū loose forward was the driving force behind the Black Ferns Sevens' gold-medal triumph at the Tokyo Olympics, with her team recognised for its achievements with its fourth straight Team of the Year award.

Co-coaches Cory Sweeney and Allan Bunting were also jointly named as New Zealand Coach of the Year for the third consecutive time.

Forward Ardie Savea was recognised as All Blacks Player of the Year, while Kennedy Simon was named the Black Ferns' best.

First-five Richie Mo'unga was dubbed Super Rugby Player of the Year, while his Crusaders team earned Team of the Year.

Adding to a memorable night for women's rugby was Anna Richards becoming the first female to win the Steinlager Salver, which recognises an individual's long-term contribution to the game.

The Black Ferns veteran won four World Cups in a 49-test career that saw her inducted into the Hall of Fame, before transitioning into coaching and administration.

2021 New Zealand Rugby Awards:

Referee of Year: Ben O'Keeffe (Auckland)

Charles Monro volunteer of year: Peter Chaplin (Canterbury)

Steinlager Salver: Anna Richards (Auckland)

NZRPA Kirk Award: Melodie Robinson (Auckland)

Age-grade Player of Year: Josh Lord (Taranaki)

Heartland Championship Player of Year: Willie Wright (South Canterbury)

Duane Monkley Medal (NPC): Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki)

Fiao'o Faamausili Medal (FPC): Krystal Murray (Northland)

National Coach of Year: Ross Filipo (Waikato NPC)

New Zealand Coach of Year: Cory Sweeney and Allan Bunting (Black Ferns Sevens)

Super Rugby Player of Year: Richie Mo'unga (Canterbury)

Tom French Memorial Māori Player of Year: Sarah Hirini (Manawatū)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of Year: Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)

Black Ferns Sevens Player of Year: Sarah Hirini (Manawatū)

Black Ferns Player of Year: Kennedy Simon (Waikato)

All Blacks Player of Year: Ardie Savea (Wellington)

National Team of Year: Crusaders

Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of Year: Sarah Hirini (Manawatū)