Garden-Bachop scoops Lions award and Hurricanes contract

Monday was a red-letter day for Northern United first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop.

The former Scots College and NZ Schools pivot won the 2017 Wellington Lions Player of the Year award at the awards night on Monday night and also put pen to paper with the Hurricanes by signing a new two-year deal.

Garden-Bachop scooped the Player of the Year award after a season that’s seen him appear in all 10 of the team's matches including nine starts, and tally 109 points heading into the semi-finals.

The 23-year-old’s game management and steady goal kicking has been a feature for a player who debuted for the Lions in 2013 and has grown into one of the senior leaders of the squad.

He signs with the Hurricanes for next season 2017 following a debut season of Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels.

Garden-Bachop said he was excited to have the opportunity to continue his career with his home club the Hurricanes.

“I’m really happy to be settled in my home town and able to play my provincial and Super Rugby in one place and in my home town and close to my family,” he said.

“Growing up in Wellington I always dreamed of playing for the Hurricanes, so I’m pretty happy to get this opportunity. The Hurricanes have some world class players, especially in my position and I’m looking forward to learning off, and working alongside players like Beauden Barrett.”

The son of former Manu Samoa and All Blacks representative Stephen Bachop, he made the move across the Tasman last year to gain Super Rugby experience with the Rebels.

“My year at the Rebels really helped me develop and grow as a player and I think I’ve built on that confidence with Wellington this season,” he said.

Meanwhile, hooker Asafo Aumua has been recognised as the Wellington Rugby Supporter’s Club Player of the Year at the Lions awards.

Although the Wellington Pride did not reach their own goals in 2017 the women’s representative side undoubtedly highlighted a bright future during their Farah Palmer Cup campaign.

Under first year Pride coach Ross Bond, the Pride played entertaining rugby that highlighted the young talent that is emerging from within the Wellington region.

Pride Rookie of the Year, prop Angel Uila was an example of the promise within a squad that lost to the powerful Auckland squad 31-30, and who competed well for large chunks of their matches against competition front runners Counties-Manukau and Canterbury.

Senior player and captain Jackie Patea-Fereti was named the Pride Player of the Year.

The awards night also recognised Wellington’s age grade and Academy players with Petone loose forward Jake Quin named Wellington U19 Player of the Year.

Young Lions and Marist St Pat’s centre Billy Proctor was awarded the Al Keown Memorial Cup as the best performing player in the 2017 Wellington Rugby Academy.

Wellington club and Development Team wing Ollie Sapsford was awarded the Ken Comber Memorial Cup as the player who best embraced the Academy’s philosophy for his work ethic and character.

Marist St Pat’s loose forward Matt Peni was named Development Team Player of the Year and was also a member of the Wellington Samoan team which won the 2017 Festival Cup.