Rugby Australia Awards 2023

Rugby Australia Awards RECAP: Valetini, Karpani claim major awards

Wed, Feb 7, 2024, 6:46 PM
Nathan Williamson

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/john-e...winners-202426

Full Awards Winners
It was a fast-paced awards night and a plethora of first-time winners as the 2023 Rugby Australia Awards concluded in Sydney.

Here is a full list of award winners:

2023 Rugby Australia Awards – Full list:

John Eales Medal – Rob Valetini

Buildcorp Wallaroos Player of the Year – Eva Karpani

Shawn Mackay Award for Men’s Sevens Player of the Year – Henry Paterson

Shawn Mackay Award for Women’s Sevens Player of the Year – Maddison Levi

Harvey Norman Super Rugby Player of the Year – Fraser McReight, QLD Reds

Buildcorp Super W Player of the Year – Cecilia Smith, QLD Reds

RA Rookie of the Year Award – Carys Dallinger, Wallaroos

RA Junior Men’s Player of the Year (U20) – Teddy Wilson

RA Junior Women’s Player of the Year (U20) – Faitala Moleka

Cadbury Try of the Year – Jake Upfield, QLD Reds vs Highlanders

FEDEX Referee of the Year – Angus Gardner

Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award – Bernard Tuaimau, Sydney Junior Rugby Union, AND Nathan Maiava, Melton Rugby Club

Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby – Tim Gavin, Eastern Suburbs and New South Wales

Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award – Michael Crank, Mount Maria College

Andrew Cole Community Match Official of the Year – Anthony Furey, Central Coast Rugby Union Referees

Wallabies backrower Rob Valetini claims first John Eales Medal

Wed, Feb 7, 2024, 6:16 PM
Nathan Williamson

Wallabies number eight Rob Valetini has claimed his first John Eales Medal on Wednesday.

Voted by the players after each game, Valetini was one of the most consistent players in World Rugby in 2023.

The Brumbies backrower polled 141 votes to finish ahead of Angus Bell (132) and Marika Koroibete (116).

"It means a lot," Valetini said to reporters.

"It was disappointing results last year but winning this award means a lot, even if it was a little bittersweet."

Bell finished in spectacular form after missing the opening game against South Africa whilst Koroibete was at his consistent best.

However, Valetini was influential across the year, playing nearly every minute for the Wallabies and starting at number eight in all nine games. This included a debut World Cup appearance in France against Georgia, leading the team for carries (41) and third for tackles (36) in their four games at the tournament.

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallab...s-medal-202427