Cane wins top honours at Bay of Plenty Sports Awards

Sam Cane's quick return to the field, particularly the world stage, after breaking his neck in a victory over the Springboks that had the potential to end his career, is what has made him stand out as the Bay of Plenty's top sportsperson.

The All Blacks loose forward, Gallagher Chief and Bay of Plenty Steamers player was named the Sport Bay of Plenty Supreme Award winner at Friday nights 2019 Bay of Plenty Sports Awards at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.

Cane also won the Bayleys Real Estate Sportsman of the Year award at the celebration, hosted by Sport Bay of Plenty to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements by Bay of Plenty athletes, coaches and officials over the past 12 months.

Sport Bay of Plenty sport manager Nick Chambers said Cane's return to the top level of competition impressed the judges.

It was his seemingly impossible comeback after the injury, recovering from surgery and going on to be part of the Bledisloe Cup-winning side, captain of the All Blacks in Argentina and his selected for the world cup squad in Japan that made him stand out.

"Sam faced some tough competition for the Sportsman of the Year and Supreme Award, but what made him stand out was the fact he managed to return to the field so quickly and post some impressive results after suffering an horrific injury," Chambers said.

"He's a hard-working athlete that's gone from Reporoa to the world stage and we're honoured to recognise his sporting achievements."