All Black Quinn Tupaea crowned DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year

Super Rugby Pacific

2 hours ago

All Black midfielder Quinn Tupaea has been named 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year after a standout season driving the Chiefs to the Grand Final.

The 26-year-old claimed the prestigious award following one of the most consistent campaigns in the competition, finishing level on 43 votes with Highlanders star Timoci Tavatavanawai before securing the title on a tiebreak count of three-vote performances across the season.

The honour marks another significant milestone in Tupaea's remarkable career resurgence following the serious knee injury he suffered during the 2022 international season.

A key figure in the Chiefs' success throughout 2026, Tupaea delivered week after week with his trademark combination of powerful ball carrying, defensive intensity and leadership in midfield. His performances earned widespread recognition from the competition's voting panel, which includes opposition coaches, captains and independent media representatives.

Highlights: Chiefs v Crusaders Semifinal

DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Award criteria

The DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award is determined through a 3-2-1 voting system after every regular season match, making it one of the game's most respected individual honours.

Quinn Tupaea's standout 2026 season

Tupaea's victory continues a strong tradition of All Blacks being recognised among the competition's elite performers and comes after another impressive season in the black and red of the Chiefs.

In addition to claiming the competition's top individual award, Tupaea was also selected in the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year alongside fellow All Black Ethan de Groot and a host of standout performers from across the competition.

For Tupaea, the award is recognition of a season defined by excellence, consistency and resilience – qualities that have re-established him among the leading midfielders in world rugby.

Quinn

Tupaea

is

a

most

deserving

winner

of

the

Player

of

the

Year

Award,

having

been

one

of

the

competition's

most

consistent

star

performers

and

playing

a

leading

role

in

the

success

the

Chiefs

have

enjoyed

in

2026
Super Rugby Pacific Chief Executive, Jack Mesley

DHL Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final

The announcement comes during Grand Final week, with Tupaea and the Chiefs preparing to face the Hurricanes at 7.05PM Saturday 20 June at Hnry Stadium, Wellington. In the first-ever Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final meeting between the two New Zealand rivals.