Wallabies centre secures full POTY votes as All Black storms clear

Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami has taken home full votes after the Reds’ historic victory over the Crusaders on Saturday, while All Blacks midfielder Quinn Tupaea has shown no sign of slowing down.

Paisami was impressive as the Reds broke a 15-year hoodoo against the Crusaders, notching up nine points from the contest. Jock Campbell was the next best on the night, earning four points from Suncorp Stadium.

In Friday night’s grudge-match in Dunedin between the Highlanders and the ACT Brumbies, Wallabies halfback Ryan Lonergan was the biggest winner, taking home six points. All Blacks loosehead prop Ethan de Groot secured four points, with four other players sharing two points each.

It was a historic afternoon in Rotorua for All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie, becoming the all-time top try-scorer for the Chiefs. Pairing that milestone with seven Player of the Year votes, Saturday afternoon’s contest was a positive day out for the 74-Test All Black.

Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Faiilagi starred in a disappointing performance from the North Harbour-based franchise, adding six points to his overall tally.

Tupaea, who has led the Player of the Year voting for large parts of the campaign so far, scored another double in round nine, securing six points from the Rotorua contest, taking his tally to 42 in 2026.

Fijian Drua’s Virimi Vakatawa earned eight points in their matchup against the Western Force in Lautoka, whilst  Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams added seven points to his season total.

Versatile Hurricanes fullback Callum Harkin helped his side overcome the Blues in Wellington on Saturday night, gaining seven votes from the panel.

Here is how the players voted in round nine.

Highlanders v ACT Brumbies

6 – Ryan Lonergan (ACT)

4 – Ethan de Groot (HIG)

3 – Jack Taylor (HIG), Jona Nareki (HIG), Nic Shearer (HIG), Rory Scott (ACT)

2 – Allan Alaalatoa (ACT), Luke Reimer (ACT)

1 – TK Howden (HIG), Caleb Tangitau (HIG), Billy Pollard (ACT), Corey Toole (ACT)

Moana Pasifika v Chiefs

7 – Damian McKenzie (CHI)

6 – Miracle Faiilagi (MOA), Quinn Tupaea (CHI)

4 – Solomon Alaimalo (MOA)

2 – Patrick Pellegrini (MOA), Liam Coombes-Fabling (CHI), Kyren Taumoefolau (CHI)

1 – Samipeni Finau (CHI)

Fijian Drua v Western Force

8 – Virimi Vakatawa (FJI)

7 – Jeremy Williams (FOR)

5 – Henry Robertson (FOR)

3 – Isikeli Rabit (FJI), Isoa Nasilasila (FJI)

1 – Harry Johnson-Holmes (FOR), Vailoni Ekuasi (FOR), Isikeli Basiyalo (FJI), Elia Canakaivata (FJI)

Hurricanes v Blues

7 – Callum Harkin (HUR)

6 – Anton Segner (BLU)

5 – Malachi Wrampling (BLU)

4 – Xavier Numia (HUR)

3 – Warner Dearns (HUR)

2 – Billy Proctor (HUR)

1 – Peter Lakai (HUR), Beauden Barrett (BLU), Zarn Sullivan (BLU)

Queensland Reds v Crusaders

9 – Hunter Paisami (QLD)

4 – Jock Campbell (QLD)

3 – Dom Gardiner (CRU), Christian Lio-Willie (CRU)

2 – Josh Flook (QLD), Kalani Thomas (QLD), Jamie Hannah (CRU), Leicester Fainga’anuku (CRU), Sevu Reece (CRU)

1 – Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (QLD)

Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Voting after Round Nine

42 – Quinn Tupaea (CHI)

31 – Ben Donaldson (FOR)

28 – Max Jorgensen (NSW)

26 – Miracle Faiilagi (MOA), Ryan Lonergan (ACT)

25 – Will Jordan (CRU)

23 – Caleb Tangitau (HIG)

22 – Timoci Tavatavanawai (HIG)

20 – Charlie Cale (ACT)

19 – Jeremy Williams (FOR), Caleb Clarke (BLU)

18 – Jock Campbell (QLD), Fehi Fineanganofo (HUR)

Six players on 17 points

Rookie of the Year

13 – Sid Harvey (NSW)

9 – Nic Shearer (HIG)

6 – Joel Lam (MOA), Malachi Wrampling (BLU)

5 – Codemeru Vai (BLU)

4 – Lucas Casey (HIG)

3 – Dominic Ropeti (MOA), Iosefo Name (FJI)

2 – Clem Halaholo (NSW), Treyvon Pritchard (QLD), Johnny Lee (CRU), Kadin Pritchard (ACT), Torian Barnes (BLU)

“The captains and head coaches of both teams nominate their top three players from the opposing team each week, allocating three votes, two votes, and one vote, respectively,” Super Rugby announced at the start of the season.

“On top of this, the Player of the Year voting process has been bolstered for the upcoming season, with a panel of respected rugby media identities from across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji assembled to contribute votes on each game.

“Player of the Year votes from each round will be announced on the competition website and social media channels each Tuesday, until the voting goes behind closed doors following Round 10.”