Auckland-born Rahul Das, a fourth-year medical student, was honoured at Dunedin club rugby this week for his impressive effort to help his team register the victory.
A 30-year-old Indian-origin rugby coach has been honoured with personality of the year award for guiding his team to its first title in New Zealand.
Auckland-born Rahul Das, a fourth-year medical student, was honoured at Dunedin club rugby this week for his impressive effort to help his team register the victory even though he was considered a rookie at premier level.
Mr Das, who is of Fijian Indian descent, played rugby at school and a social club before a series of injuries forced him call it quits.
"I'm not sure how I got into rugby. I've just always followed the All Blacks. I get to do something that I really enjoy but also get to work with some really cool people," Mr Das was quoted as saying by Otaga Daily Times.
Mr Das shepherded his team University A to a 31-15 win against Taieri in the final.
"It actually took a while to sink in. After the final whistle I sat in the corner of the shed for a while to take it in and enjoy the moment. That excitement is still there. The team has such great potential," he said.
After coaching the colts side for three years, Mr Das joined the premier coaching staff last winter and fits the game into his busy life.
"There are definitely some long hours. But you can't have too much of one thing in your life, so I guess rugby gives me some of that balance," Mr Das said.