McReight joins back-row greats with first John Eales Medal

Fraser McReight has won the John Eales Medal as Australian rugby’s best player of the year after his international teammates recognised his consistently excellent performances for his country this season.

McReight received the game’s highest honour at the Rugby Australia awards in Sydney on Thursday night, while 21-year-old inside centre Faitala Moleka was crowned Wallaroos Player of the Year and Reds star Treyvon Pritchard named rookie of the year.

The John Eales medal is based on votes submitted by Wallabies players after every Test match. McReight joins a long list of outstanding back-rowers to have won the award since it was established in 2002, including David Lyons, Phil Waugh, George Smith (twice), Rob Valetini (twice), David Pocock (twice) and former captain Michael Hooper, who won the award a record four times.

Like Hooper, McReight has played some of his best rugby when the Wallabies are under the greatest pressure. A ferocious competitor at the breakdown, McReight has also developed an accomplished all-around game, establishing himself as one of the best openside breakaways in world rugby.

McReight was also recognised for his outstanding defensive performances – particularly in the 16-point defeat to France in Brisbane in July, in which he scored two tries as well as making 19 tackles, with the award for Defender of the Year.

McReight has also become the first Queensland Reds player to claim a John Eales medal since former Wallabies fullback Chris Latham 20 years ago.

Brisbane Junior Rugby Union Western Region chair Paula Watkins was honoured with the inaugural Peter Meagher Spirit of Rugby Award, in recognition of her dedication and tireless support for the community game.

Meagher, a much-loved figure in the Randwick rugby community, was one of 15 people tragically killed in the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last year while taking photographs of the Hanukkah festival as a volunteer.

“Rugby Australia decided to honour Marzo”, who held a longtime association with Randwick rugby club, by rebranding the award previously named after Nick Farr-Jones in his honour.

National team captains Isabella Nasser and Henry Hutchison took home the Shawn Mackay Awards for the Women’s and Men’s Sevens Player of the Year, respectively.

First-time winner Nasser led the Australian Women’s team to the World Championship title while Hutchison, who last achieved this accolade in 2021, guided the Men’s side to their first tournament win since 2023 when they claimed gold in Valladolid.

Japan-bound fullback Jock Campbell won the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title after an outstanding year for the Reds, while ACT Brumbies and Wallaroos captain Siokapesi Palu Sekona was named Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year. Amelia Whitaker was also named women’s rookie of the year after her first season for the Wallaroos.

Australian U20 and NSW Waratahs prop Edwin Langi won Junior Men’s Player of the Year for his performances across the year in both programs, while 19-year-old Waiaria Ellis picked up Junior Women’s Player of the Year after shining on the international stage.

Referee of the Year Award was awarded to the experienced Nic Berry, who has taken charge of 41 Tests over the last ten years since retiring from playing professional rugby.

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