David Pocock has won his second John Eales Medal after taking home the prestigious honour at the 2018 Rugby Australia Awards.
Launched in 2002, the award is named after one of the true Legends of the game, John Eales, who captained the Wallabies to World Cup Glory in 1999.
The Medal serves as the Player’s Player of the Year, with Pocock amassing 262 votes since the start of the June test series against Ireland.
The admiration of Pocock was not limited to his fellow internationals also, as earlier in the night Pocock was also honored with the Australia’s Choice – Qantas Wallaby of the Year award. Pocock joins a star-studded list of multiple medal-winners that includes Brumbies Legend George Smith, with Pocock’s other distinction coming in 2010.
Elsewhere, a familiar face was also included in the honours list, Scott Fardy being recognized for his selfless role in the disaster relief efforts following the 2011 Tsunami in Japan by receiving the Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle congratulated the winners: “On behalf of the Australian Rugby community, I wholeheartedly congratulate our award winners for 2018.“There were some outstanding achievements by some very special individuals across every level of the game and it was a great night to recognise the significant contributions of people within the game, both past and present.
“As a sport we have had much to celebrate in 2018, with participation growth across all formats of the game, a second World Series title in three years for our Women’s Sevens team, a blockbuster Ireland Series in June, and some monumental moments for women’s Rugby with the inaugural Buildcorp Super W season and the first ever double-header in Australia involving the Qantas Wallabies and Buildcorp Wallaroos.”
Rugby Australia Awards 2018 Award Winners
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Ian Frame (Knox Rugby Club)
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Tilly Vlok (Box Hill Rugby Club)
Roger Vanderfield TNT Referee of the Year: Angus Gardner
Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Scott Fardy
Joe French Award: Ron Graham
Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year Award: Matthew Chapman (Miami State High)
Under 20s Player of the Year: Fraser McReight (Queensland)
Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year: Taniela Tupou (Qantas Wallabies)
Rugby Australia Try of the Year: Taqele Naiyaravoro v Rebels (Round 5 – Super Rugby)
Buildcorp Super W Player of the Year: Shanice Parker (NSW Women)
Vodafone Super Rugby Player of the Year: Taniela Tupou (Queensland Reds)
Australia’s Choice – Qantas Wallaby of the Year: David Pocock
Buildcorp Women’s XV Player of the Year: Emily Chancellor
The Shawn MacKay Award – Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Ben O’Donnell
The Shawn MacKay Award – Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Evania Pelite
John Eales Medal: David Pocock
