Canterbury's Todd Blackadder has been named the New Zealand rugby Personality of the Year for 2001.

Blackadder was awarded the Kel Tremain Memorial Trophy at a Steinlager Awards function in Auckland on Wednesday night.

Blackadder contributed to the evening via a live video hook up to Scotland where he is now playing for Edinburgh Rugby.

New Zealand Sevens star Karl Te Nana who was awarded the Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year trophy.

Blackadder led Canterbury to an outstanding double this season, with the side successfully defending the Ranfurly Shield while also winning the Air New Zealand NPC Division One title.

The province's dominance was reflected by the number of awards won by members of its team.

Dynamic flanker Richard McCaw was a dual recipient being selected as both the NZRFU Under-21 and Air New Zealand NPC Division One Player of the Year.

The fine season enjoyed by Canterbury and All Blacks winger Caleb Ralph was acknowledged when he was awarded the Tom French Memorial Trophy as the Maori Player of the Year. Canterbury also won the adidas Team of the Year award.

Deon Muir's efforts in leading his side up the Telecom Rugby Super 12 ladder saw the inspirational Chiefs captain selected as the Telecom Rugby Super 12 Player of the Year.

Taranaki coach Colin Cooper won the Coach of the Year award after guiding the New Zealand Colts to success at the SANZAR-UAR Under-21 tournament in Australia.

Hawke's Bay referee Kelvin Deaker was one of two participants from his province to be honoured.

Deaker won the Referee of the Year award while outstanding loose forward Reece Robinson was selected as the Air New Zealand NPC Division Two Player of the Year.

North Otago prop Hotili Asi, who was the leading tryscorer in the Air New Zealand NPC Division Three this year with nine, was named as that Division's Player of the Year.

The Women's Player of the Year award was won by Black Ferns and Auckland Storm centre Annaleah Rush.

Another Aucklander, Sam Tuitupou, was selected as the NZRFU Under-19 Player of the Year.

Tuitupou captained the New Zealand Under-19's to success at the FIRA-IRB World Junior Championship in Chile and was then a member of the national Under-21 squad.

Sir Terry McLean's contribution to New Zealand rugby during an outstanding career in the sports media was recognised when he was awarded the Steinlager Salver.

A full list of the 2001 Steinlager Rugby Awards winners is:

NZRFU Under-19 Player of the Year: Sam Tuitupou (Auckland)

NZRFU Under-21 Player of the Year: Richard McCaw (Canterbury)

New Zealand Rugby Referee of the Year: Kelvin Deaker (Hawke's Bay)

2001 Coach of the Year: Colin Cooper (New Zealand Colts)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year: Karl Te Nana (North Harbour)

NZRFU Women's Player of the Year: Annaleah Rush (Auckland)

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year: Caleb Ralph (Canterbury)

Telecom Rugby Super 12 Player of the Year: Deon Muir (Chiefs)

adidas Team of the Year: Canterbury

2001 Air New Zealand NPC Division Three Player of the Year: Hotili Asi (North Otago)

2001 Air New Zealand NPC Division Two Player of the Year: Reece Robinson (Hawke's Bay)

2001 Air New Zealand NPC Division One Player of the Year: Richard McCaw (Canterbury)

Steinlager Salver for an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby: Sir Terry McLean

Kel Tremain Memorial Trophy Personality of the Year: Todd Blackadder (Canterbury)