Canterbury Rugby Awards - Episode 3 NPC & FPC Awards

In the final episode of the End of Season Awards, we celebrated the award winners of our highest two teams, our Farah Palmer Cup and NPC sides.

Both sides had an incredible season, both home finalists and winning back the Farah Palmer Cup trophy.  While we can’t celebrate every one of our players, the following five were standout performers in 2022.  

Patterson Cup for Most Promising FPC Player of the Year – Hannah King (Lincoln University) and Atlanta Lolohea (Christchurch) 

A joint award in 2022, the Patterson Cup this year is shared between Hannah King and Atlanta Lolohea, two rising stars of the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup side.  

Both making their debuts in 2022, it’s an exciting time for both young players as their careers begin at the next level.  

“It’s really cool to win this trophy with Atlanta, we started our girls’ rugby together, and we got to debut together against Wellington” said King.  

“Doing this with her is an extra bonus for me” said Lolohea. “It’ll be very cool to tell our parents about this one!” 

Men’s Rookie of the Year – George Bell (Lincoln University) 

Presented to the most impressive new NPC player, this year’s winner George Bell played a significant role in this year’s NPC campaign.  

Given an opportunity early in the season due to injuries, Bell never relinquished his spot, and impressed enough to earn an All Blacks XV call up at the end of the season.  

“It’s pretty special, looking at a few of the names on here that went on to play at higher honours, it’s a good reminder of what I can accomplish and to not get complacent!” said Bell. 

FPC Player of the Year – Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox (Christchurch) 

Centurion Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox is this year’s FPC Player of the Year. In her last season in the Canterbury red and black, Te Ohaere-Fox locked in her legend status with her power at set piece, her skill on the ball and the mana she brings to the group off the field, all contributing to a fifth title in six years.  

“It’s always humbling when you get picked for awards like this, it was a dream way to go out on top and play some dream rugby” said Te Ohaere-Fox. 

Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Men’s Player of the Year – Billy Harmon (New Brighton) 

Alongside being named the Maori Player of the Year, it is only fitting that Billy Harmon was also awarded this year’s Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Men’s Player of the Year. 

Billy was instrumental in the NPC side turning around their fortunes, and creating an environment that was welcoming to all and encourged success. 

“It was a really fun year for us, the culture we built meant we had some great times on and off the pitch” said Harmon. 

“To do this as a job is unbelievable, and any opportunity to be here and do something I love, I’m extremely grateful for.”