Bay of Plenty Steamers back Tino Nemani has been named Player of the Year at the Bay of Plenty Awards Evening.

The glitzy event, held at the ASB Arena, was attended by teams, management, family and sponsors to celebrate the success and recognise the efforts and achievements of players, coaches, referees and volunteers.

Tino Nemani in action for the Steamers. Photo: File.

Tino enjoyed a night to remember, receiving both the Players' Player of the Year and the Steamers' Player of the Year awards.

In his acceptance speeches, Tino acknowledged the support from the coaching team of McMillan, Gibbs and Dillon, and from Bay of Plenty Rugby Union. He also thanked and recognised the contribution from his team mates.

Steamers Rookie of the Year went to the illusive back Chase Tiatia, who admits he's excited about what the future might bring for him in the Bay.

The Volcanix Player of the Year was awarded to Luka Connor, who had a successful season as part of the undefeated Waikite women's side and was selected to trial for the Black Ferns.

In a new initiative, community awards were presented to recognise the contribution clubs, coaches and volunteers make to growing and strengthening the game.

Awards presented by Bay of Plenty Rugby Union president Graeme Crossman included the Volunteer of the Year gong, which went to Colin Henderson for his outstanding contribution and support of the Tauranga Sports Rugby Club.

Team of the Year went to Waikite Women, who were undefeated throughout their campaign and successfully won the 2015 Bayfair Baywide Premier Club Title.

The Above and Beyond Award went to Charlie Russell, who is the driving force behind the Arataki Rugby Club. Coach of the Year was jointly accepted by Tauranga Sports Premier coaches Mike Rogers and Cory Sweeney.

The final community award of the evening was presented to Te Puke Sports for Club of the Year.

2015 Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Award Winners:

Referee Awards:

Allan Oates Memorial Trophy for Referee Coach of the Year: Graeme Meyrick

President's Trophy for contribution to refereeing: Glenn and Jaydon Moore

John Cormick Trophy for the Most Improved Referee: Mate Samuels

Martin Teo Shield for Referee of the Year: Jamie Bell

Bay of Plenty Steamers:

Forward of the Year: Johan Bardoul

Back of the Year: Chase Tiatia

Trainer of the Year: Caleb Hall

Rookie of the Year: Chase Tiatia

Player of the Year: Tino Nemani

Players' Player of the Year: Tino Nemani

Bay of Plenty Volcanix:

Best Forward: Kaci James

Best Back: Teagan Wallace

Player of the Year: Luka Connor

Community Rugby Awards:

Volunteer of the Year: Colin Henderson

Above and Beyond Award: Charlie Russell

Team of the year: Waikite Women's

Coach of the Year: Mike Rogers & Cory Sweeney

Club of the Year: Te Puke Sports

Highly Commended Club of the Year: Te Puna Rugby Club

Bay of Plenty Men's Sevens:

Player of the Year: Matty Axtens

Bay of Plenty Women's Sevens:

Player of the Year: Takiri Butler

Bay of Plenty Development:

Best Forward: Lars Morrice

Best Back: Jone Langimbollah

Player of the Year: Tim O'Malley

Bay of Plenty U19s:

Best Forward: Thomas Allen

Best Back: Zane Croswell

Player of the Year: Thomas Allen

Bay of Plenty Secondary School Girls':

Back of the Year: Leah Wilson

Forward of the Year: Lily Florence

Player of the Year: Ngarangi Ruri-Terupe

Bay of Plenty U18s:

Back of the Year: Rewita Biddle

Forward of the Year: Sione Afu

Player of the Year: Kaydin Budd

Bay of Plenty U16s:

Back of the Year: Kaleb Trask

Forward of the Year: Mafi Fifita

Player of the Year: Guillaume Martell

Western Bay of Plenty U15s:

Back of the Year: Gilbert Bidios

Forward of the Year: Taituha Woller

Player of the Year: Louie Grindrod

Central Bay of Plenty U15s:

Back of the Year: Tama Te Aute

Forward of the Year: Taylor Soutar

Player of the Year: Tama Te Aute

Eastern Bay of Plenty U15s:

Back of the Year: Pani Wana

Forward of the Year: Caleb Olsen

Player of the Year: Daniel Teepa

Western Bay of Plenty U14s:

Back of the Year: Kahi Borrell

Forward of the Year: Ryan Bosselman

Player of the Year: Thomas Murray-Edwards

Central Bay of Plenty U14s:

Back of the Year: Jordan Tuakana - Hudson

Forward of the Year: Bernie Hati

Player of the Year: Kahlil Aldworth -Bidois and Rayna Whakaari.

Eastern Bay of Plenty U14s:

Back of the Year: Jordy Fleming

Forward of the Year: Keeley Sexton

Player of the Year: Keeley Sexton and Jordy Fleming.

Roller Mills:

Best Forward: Xavier Mitchell-Winsor

Best Back: Ethan Stuart

Player of the Year: Epoki Polaapau

Ellis Shield:

Back of the Year: Kaleb Trask

Forward of the Year: Mafi Fifita

Player of the Year: Guillaume Martel

Bay of Plenty U13s:

Back of the Year: Tewi Heta

Forward of the Year: Darcy Hoskins

Player of the Year: Nephi Sanerive