Rob Valetini joins exclusive Wallabies club at Rugby Australia Awards

Rob Valetini made history at the Rugby Australia Awards this week, becoming just the third player ever to win back-to-back John Eales Medals. Michael Hooper and Israel Folau were the first to achieve the feat, with the award recognising the Wallabies’ best player.

Valetini was up against fellow backrowers Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson for the top gong, but after another strong season in Wallaby gold, the 26-year-old received the honour on Wednesday evening in Sydney.

Coach Joe Schmidt initially named Valetini at No. 8 for the first Test of the year against Wales, but an injury to Liam Wright prompted a reshuffle. Valetini started the other eight matches at blindside flanker, with the Wallaby proving reliable on both sides of the ball.

Winger Maya Stewart was crowned the Wallaroos Player of the Year after crossing for nine tries in eight Tests. Stewart also played a key role in Australia’s historic run to glory in WXV2 after recording wins over Wales, South Africa and Scotland.

In sevens, Maddison Levi joined Valetini in going back-to-back in their respective award categories. Levi was named the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year after record-breaking campaigns on the SVNS Series and at the Paris Olympic Games.

Queensland Reds flanker Fraser McReight also claimed successive a Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award after taking out the title in 2023. McReight was also among the nominees for the Wallabies’ award, which shows how important the backrower is to Australia rugby.

Nathan Lawson received the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year honour, and Brumbies captain Siokapesi Palu was named the Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year.

Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan capped off a breakout season by receiving not one but two awards. The 21-year-old took home the Rookie of the Year Award, as well as the Try of the Year after a sensational solo effort against the Blues at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Australia Under 20 skipper Toby Macpherson received the Junior Men’s Player of the Year award and 18-year-old Caitlyn Halse was named the Junior Women’s Player of the Year.

2024 Rugby Australia Awards - Winners List

• John Eales Medal - Rob Valetini
• Buildcorp Wallaroos Player of the Year - Maya Stewart
• Shawn Mackay Award for Men's Sevens Player of the Year - Nathan Lawson
• Shawn Mackay Award for Women's Sevens Player of the Year - Maddison Levi
• Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year - Fraser McReight, QLD Reds
• Buildcorp Super Rugby Women's Player of the Year - Siokapesi Palu, ACT Brumbies
• Rookie of the Year Award - Tim Ryan, QLD Reds
• Junior Men's Player of the Year - Toby Macpherson, ACT Brumbies
• Junior Women's Player of the Year - Caitlyn Halse, NSW Waratahs
• Cadbury Try of the Year - Tim Ryan, QLD Reds vs. Blues
• Fedex Referee of the Year - Nic Berry
• Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award - Graeme Tosch, Rugby Victoria
• Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby - Kim Evans, Rugby Union South Australia
• Geoff 'Bunter' Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award - James Barkell, NSW Rugby
• Andrew Cole Community Match Official of the Year - Ian McGowan, QLD Country Rugby Referees
• Cadbury Club of the Year - Wagga Wagga Junior Rugby Union Club