Sean Withy named 2024 Stag of the Year
Sean Withy was touted as one of Southland rugby’s most important signings in many years when it was announced in late 2023 and he hasn't disappointed.
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Sean Withy’s Southland homecoming has been capped off by being named the 2024 Stags Player of the Year on Tuesday night.
Withy was touted as one of Southland rugby’s most important signings in many years when it was announced in late 2023.
The excitement was both on the back of what the Highlanders loose forward brings to the Stags in a player capacity, his leadership, and the message it sent about a talented Southlander opting to return home.
The 23-year-old was whisked straight into the captaincy role with the Stags and made his mark from the outset when he turned in an outstanding performance propelling Southland to a round-one Donald Stuart Memorial Shield victory over Otago.
Withy then started in every game - barring the trip to Auckland - for the remainder of the Stags campaign. He carried a big workload, particularly in defence.
It’s been a big year for the former Southland Boys’ High School first XV captain given he also had a strong campaign with the Highlanders and by the end of the Super Rugby season had nailed down the No 7 jersey.
Other awards handed out on Tuesday night included No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa being named Rugby Southland Supporters Club Player of the Year, and Faletoi Peni claiming the Supporters Club’s Most Promising Player of the Year.
AWARDS
Player of the Year: Sean Withy
Rugby Southland Supporters Club Player of the Year: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Rugby Southland Supporters Club Most Promising Player: Faletoi Peni
Players Player: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Back of the Year: Isaac Te Tamaki
Forward of the Year: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Rookie of the Year: Faletoi Peni
NZRPA & Speights Personal Development Award: Lachie Albert
McKnight & Brown Best Dressed Stag - Connor Collins