Eroni Clarke’s anthem moment wins Sporting Moment of the Year

In the Sporting Moment of the Year category, the only award voted on by the public, former All Black Eroni Clarke took it out for his powerful performance of the New Zealand national anthem ahead of the All Blacks’ Test against Australia at Eden Park.

The anthem quickly became one of the most talked-about sporting moments of the year, with Eroni surprising his son, All Black winger Caleb Clarke, with the performance, bringing Caleb to tears during his long-awaited return to the black jersey.

Caleb admitted the anthem overwhelmed him in the best way. “That was my moment. Just the tears.”

He went on to score the first try of the match, adding to the moment at Eden Park.

While Caleb is more in the spotlight as one of New Zealand’s biggest rugby stars, Eroni said being recognised alongside his son was “actually wonderful”.

“It’s wonderful to be here and be nominated in this way as well. It is so cool.”

In true parent fashion, Eroni shifted the praise back to his son, saying, “We’re really blessed to have Caleb and what he’s doing now.”

After accepting the award alongside his Dad, Caleb recalled the moment to the audience, saying, “I’m thinking, man, that voice sounds so familiar. Then I opened my eyes, looked up at the screen, and saw Dad singing the anthem, really proud.

“I get emotional even thinking about it. Seeing Dad there after helping me through a low time that year and getting back to the pinnacle of putting on the black jersey.”

Caleb is set to lace up for the Blues in Perth this weekend, with Round One of Super Rugby kicking off last weekend.