Kai Schwoerer

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 31: Morgan Mitchell of Southland looks dejected after conceding a try during the round 4 Mitre 10 Cup match between Canterbury and Southland at Orangetheory Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

It was a big nightfor the Mitchell familyat the 2019 RugbySouthland end of the year awards evening on Monday.

Tight-head prop Morgan Mitchellwas named the Stags player of the year after what was his best season yetat Mitre 10 Cup level after first playing for Southland in 2015.

He played his 50th game for the Stags in Southland's last game of the 2019 seasonlast week against Bay of Plenty.

Kerry Marshall

Brayden Mitchell in action for the Southland Stags against Hawke's Bay in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup.

After many seasons of being in and out of the starting line up, Mitchell owned the Southland No 3 jersey this year where hewas thecornerstoneof the Stags scrum and his work rate in defence was alsoimmense.

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His older brotherBraydenwas also honoured on Monday night when he picked up the Rugby SouthlandSupportersClub player of the year honour.

As as well as the Supporters Club awardBraydenwas also name the Stagsplayer's player of the year.

Braydenstarted the season as one of three hookers in the Stags set up but a re-occurring neck injury sidelined him.

Giventheinjury hindered him,both in terms of scrummaging andlineout throwing, he put his hand up to return for the Stags in the loose forwards rather than thefront row.

He impressed on the blindsideflank whileplaying for Southland B before coach Dave Hewett gaveBraydenhisshot at playing on the blindside flank.

The Stags co-captainwas akey figure in adding some steel to the Southland defence during the back half of the season.

AWARD WINNERS

JontyCarranTrophy (most promising under-16 player): Caleb Williams

Under 16 player of the year: Will Stodart

Under-18 player of the year: Cameron Millar/Aleki Saili

Under 19 player of the year: Morgan Riordan

Most improved referee: Jason McMath

Under 18 women'smost promising player: Teilah Templeton

Under 18 women's player of the year: Karlee Cruickshank

Most Promising women's player: Sarah Graham

Women's player of the year: Krishanee Tamou

Southland Country player of the year: Lachie McCall

Southland B player of the year: Ryan Carter

Women's sevens player of the year:Amy du Plessis

Men's sevens player of the year: Leigh Bristowe

Ack Soper Shield player of the year: Sam Brame

Bill Foster Trophy (most improved club team): Midlands

Coach of the year:RogerBuckingham (Tokanui)

Supporters Club most promising player: Charles Alaimalo

Supporters Club player of the year: Brayden Mitchell

Stags personal development award: Josh Moorby

Rookie of the year: Josh Moorby

Most improved back: Raymond Nu'u

Most improved forward: Mike McKee

Stags player's player of the year: Brayden Mitchell

Stags player of the year: Morgan Mitchell

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Mitchell family claims big prizes at Southland rugby awards - Stuff.co.nz