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13 hours ago
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Wallabies star Len Ikitau has won the John Eales Medal, becoming the first centre to claim Australian rugby’s highest individual honour.
Ikitau enjoyed a phenomenal year in the gold jersey, opening the voting period in spectacular style by delivering the magical match-winning flick pass to Max Jorgensen in Australia’s epic win over England at Twickenham last November.
Nicknamed “Flickitau” ever since, the 48-Test midfield linchpin ended the voting season by topping the Rugby Championship in try assists to become the first centre to win the medal since it was introduced in 2002.
Ikitau edged out fellow nominees flanker Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson, who were unveiled as the other short-listed finalists at Friday night’s ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall.
“This is probably one of the best years that I’ve enjoyed in the Wallabies jersey. In terms of the way we’ve been playing, the way that we want to play, it’s just been exciting,” Ikitau said.
“There’s been a few games where we’ve lost but, overall, I’ve enjoyed my time this year.”
Back-rower Tabua Tuinakauvadra was also crowned Wallaroos player of the year for the first time at Australian rugby’s night of nights.
Tuinakauvadra enjoyed a breakout Pacific Four Series tournament before starring in her maiden Rugby World Cup, helping the Wallaroos to the quarter-finals. Faith Nathan and James Turner were also first-time winners as they claimed the Shawn Mackay Awards for the women’s and men’s sevens players of the year.
Code-crossing superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s first season culminated with him named rookie of the year, the 22-year-old excelling for both the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies.
Western Force flanker Carlo Tizzano captured the Australian Super Rugby Pacific player of the year title, while Waratahs star Georgina Friedrichs was named Super Rugby’s women’s player of the year.
Test great George Smith was inducted to the Wallabies Hall of Fame, and Tui Ormsby into the Australian women’s rugby Hall of Fame on Friday night.
