The 26-year-old claimed the prestigious award following one of the most consistent campaigns in the competition, finishing level on 43 votes with Highlanders star Timoci Tavatavanawai before securing the title on a tiebreak count of three-vote performances across the season.
The honour marks another significant milestone in Tupaea's remarkable career resurgence following the serious knee injury he suffered during the 2022 international season.
A key figure in the Chiefs' success throughout 2026, Tupaea delivered week after week with his trademark combination of powerful ball carrying, defensive intensity and leadership in midfield. His performances earned widespread recognition from the competition's voting panel, which includes opposition coaches, captains and independent media representatives.
The DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award is determined through a 3-2-1 voting system after every regular season match, making it one of the game's most respected individual honours.
Tupaea's victory continues a strong tradition of All Blacks being recognised among the competition's elite performers and comes after another impressive season in the black and red of the Chiefs.
In addition to claiming the competition's top individual award, Tupaea was also selected in the 2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Year alongside fellow All Black Ethan de Groot and a host of standout performers from across the competition.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said Tupaea was a deserving recipient of the award.
"Quinn Tupaea is a most deserving winner of the Player of the Year Award, having been one of the competition's most consistent star performers and playing a leading role in the success the Chiefs have enjoyed in 2026."
The announcement comes during Grand Final week, with Tupaea and the Chiefs preparing to face the Hurricanes in the first-ever Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final meeting between the two New Zealand rivals.
For Tupaea, the award is recognition of a season defined by excellence, consistency and resilience – qualities that have re-established him among the leading midfielders in world rugby.
2026 DHL Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Voting
- Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs) – 43 votes*
- Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders) – 43 votes
- Anton Segner (Blues) – 41 votes
- Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs) – 39 votes
- Ben Donaldson (Western Force) – 39 votes
*Won on tiebreak after receiving more three-vote performances during the season.
This article was first published on allblacks.com. Read the original piece in full on the official All Blacks site.