Tuinakauvadra named Wallaroos Player of the Year

Wallaroos back-rower Tabua Tuinakauvadra has been crowned the Wallaroos Player of the Year, becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the award and the first Brumbies player to claim the honour.

The 22-year-old edged out fellow nominees Desiree Miller and Cecilia Smith after a standout 12 months in the gold jersey.

Tuinakauvadra, who only just returned from Europe after the World Cup, featured in all 11 Tests this season, starting in nine, including every match of the Pacific Four Series and the O’Reilly Cup.

Her consistency and power around the breakdown earned her widespread praise, with her two-try performance against Wales in Sydney among the highlights of the year.

She started the opening two World Cup games against Samoa and the USA, later proving a valuable impact player against England and Canada, who both went on to contest the final.

Tuinakauvadra is the first back-rower since Grace Hamilton in 2019 to receive the prestigious award.

Meanwhile, Len Ikitau claimed the John Eales Medal for the Wallabies’ top honour.

Full Award Winners John Eales Medal - Len Ikitau

Wallaroos Player of the Year - Tabua Tuinakauvadra

Shawn Mackay Award for Men's Sevens Player of the Year - James Turner

Shawn Mackay Award for Women's Sevens Player of the Year - Faith Nathan

SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year - Carlo Tizzano, Western Force

SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's Player of the Year - Georgina Friedrichs, NSW Waratahs

Santos Rookie of the Year Award - Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, NSW Waratahs & Wallabies

Junior Men's Player of the Year - Aden Ekanayake, Men's 7s/AUS U20s & Sid Harvey, Men's 7s/AUS U20s

Junior Women's Player of the Year - Mackenzie Davis, Women's 7s

Cadbury Try of the Year - Max Jorgensen, Wallabies vs. England

Defender of the Year - Maddison Levi, Women's 7s vs. NZ, Singapore

Fedex Referee of the Year - Ella Goldsmith

Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award - Jo Staples, Queensland Rugby Union

Joe French Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rugby - John Edwards, RugbyWA

Geoff 'Bunter' Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award - John Carters, NSW Rugby

Andrew Cole Community Match Official of the Year - Craig Gardner, Tasmanian Rugby Referees

Source: rugby.com.au