Fijian Wallabies’ backrower Rob Valetini has claimed his first-ever John Eales Medal at the Rugby Australia Awards.
The recipient of this medal is usually voted by each player and Valetini was one of the most consistent players in World Rugby last year.
Valetini says this award means a lot to him.
He says it was a disappointing result last year but winning this award means a lot even though it is a little bittersweet.
He adds it is crazy because he used to watch legendary players such as Michael Hooper, David Pocock, George Smith and David Lyons win the award.
Valetini says to play alongside the likes of Hooper and Pocock, is surreal and he is truly honoured.
The 25-year-old polled 141 votes to finish ahead of Waratahs prop Angus Bell who collected 132 votes and Panasonic Wild Knights winger Marika Koroibete who polled 116 votes.
The Melbourne-born backrower is originally from Galoa village in Kadavu and is the younger brother of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua flyhalf Kemueli Valetini.
He has 39 international caps for the Wallabies and he made his international debut in 2019 against Samoa.
