JAPAN RUGBY TOP LEAGUE 2009-10 AWARDS!! BEST XV

Toshiba Brave Lupus lock Hitoshi Ono was named Japan Rugby Top League MVP on Monday.

The day after helping Toshiba win their fifth league title in six years, the 31-year-old veteran walked off with the award at a ceremony in a Tokyo hotel.

“I never thought I would be chosen,” said Ono. “I just hope I can live up to the award next season.”

The award is decided upon by league officials and Ono just edged out teammates David Hill – last year’s winner – and Steven Bates.

The two New Zealanders, like Ono, were named to the Top League Best XV.

“I am very happy about the award,” said Hill. “It is a good honour and good recognition of the season.”

Ono wasn’t the only lock honoured.

Suntory Sungoliath’s Shinya Makabe was named rookie-of-the-year.

The Chuo University graduate won his first cap in November, when he came off the bench in the second test against Canada, and has impressed everyone with his athleticism.

Makabe was joined in the Best XV by Suntory teammates, tighthead prop Kensuke Hatakeyama scrumhalf George Gregan, wing Hirotoki Onozawa and center Ryan Nicholas.

“It’s been one of the better seasons I have been part of,” said Nicholas. “The training, the game plan, just about everything has been really worked on. It’s just a shame we weren’t able to win this year.”

Onozawa was also honoured as top try scorer after touching down 14 times in the regular season.

Sanyo Wild Knights may have lost their third playoff final in a row but they still produced six players in the Best XV.

Loosehead prop Naoki Kawamata, hooker Shota Horie, flanker Yu Young Nam, wing Tomoki Kitagawa, centre Seiichi Shimomura and fullback Atsushi Tanabe were all honoured, with Tanabe also walking off with the top points scorer and top kicker awards.

Tanabe finished the regular season with 191 points courtesy of four tries, 38 conversions and 25 penalty goals.

Japan captain and Toyota Verblitz No. 8 Takashi Kikutani rounded off the side.

Other awards saw Shinji Aida named the best referee, Coca-Cola West Red Sparks won the fair play award, while Kobe Kobelco Steelers were honoured for their fan service.