Four years ago Rob Valetini was encouraged to demand the ball and increase his work-rate after struggling to make a dent on the international stage. Now, the 26-year-old has won his second straight John Eales Medal.
Nine months after he was crowned the Wallabies’ best player from the disappointing World Cup campaign, the back-rower once again was celebrated with rugby’s most prestigious medal around his neck.
Valetini edged out back-row teammates Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson for the medal after starring across the nine Tests to date under Joe Schmidt’s new-look Wallabies.
He accepted the award in front of a black-tie audience at Randwick Racecourse on a sparkling Wednesday evening.
Rob Valetini took out his second straight John Eales Medal. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)
He was joined on the stage by Maya Stewart – the excellent Waratahs winger, who earlier this year became the nation’s greatest tryscorer – who took out the Wallaroos Award after scoring nine tries in eight Tests.
Her stunning individual try against Wales during the Wallaroos’ WXV2 title success also saw her nominated for try of the year.
That award eventually went to Reds flyer Tim Ryan, who had a memorable evening after also being named Super Rugby rookie of the year.
Maya Stewart took out the Wallaroos’ player of the year. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
McReight, the brilliant Reds breakaway, also defended his title of being Super Rugby player of the year. The Wallabies No.7 edged out Tom Wright, who enjoyed his best year for the Brumbies this season.
Brumbies and Wallaroos back-rower Siokapesi Palu took out the Super Rugby Women’s award.
Nathan Lawson took out the men’s Australian sevens award while Maddison Levi took out the women’s.
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
