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Two Counties Manukau Steelers players have earned their blazer and were presented it in front of friends and family last weekend against Waikato.

Lock forward William Furniss and number eight Hoskins Sotutu were recognised for playing 15 games for the province.

Furniss has been a stalwart of the club scene with his beloved Patumahoe side for the past decade and led them to the McNamara Cup title in 2024.

“I would like to thank my wife for putting up with me through all the injuries and the early morning starts,” Furniss said. “To my old man – he is my idol. Thanks for the sacrifice to the business for letting me do this. And thanks to Mum too.

“Thanks to Reon for giving me a chance as a club battler to play NPC and just very grateful to represent my club and my region at this level.”

Sotutu, who has played 14 tests for the All Blacks, has been a stand out since joining Counties Manukau in 2021.

“I just want to say thanks to a few people,” Sotutu said. “Firstly to my missus. It isn’t easy being the girlfriend of a rugby player but thank you. Thanks to my Mum and Dad and my family for supporting me and to the boys for making it really easy to come in and play for this team. I look forward to coming in every morning.”