Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has become the first player to win the John Eales Medal four times, collecting the award for the second year running.
He was also named the Australian rugby team’s best and fairest in 2013 and 2016, and stands alone at the top. Israel Folau won the medal three times in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
“It isn’t lost on me, being the fourth time now, it’s as good as the first – it’s always rewarding to be recognised by your peers and your teammates,” he said.
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“It’s definitely a team effort when it comes to getting individual awards, so for me my family, my partner and everything in what was a challenging year.
“To be able to still go out and perform was a real thank you to them.”
Hooper broke George Gregan’s record (59) of most matches as Wallabies captain, and has now led the team out 65 times.
His 118 appearances is now fourth all-time for the Wallabies behind Adam Ashley-Cooper (121), Stephen Moore (129), and Gregan (139).
“Michael is an incredible pillar of consistency in the Wallabies team,” Eales said in a statement.
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“His performances as a captain and as a player, week in week out, season in season out, set the perfect example for his team.
“In the history of rugby, there haven’t been many players as consistent as Michael Hooper.
“His influence on this Wallabies team, and rugby in Australia, has been profound so he’s an easy guy for Wallabies supporters and former players to feel proud of.”
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2021 Rugby Australia Award winners
Wallabies Hall of Fame – Charles Peter Crittle and Robin John Heming
Volunteer of the Year – Harry Maniatis
Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award – Ebony Altimira
Joe French Award for Outstanding Contributions to Rugby – Peter Fenton OAM
Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year – Luke Crameri
Super Rugby Player of the Year – James O’Connor
Super W Player of the Year – Lucy Lockhart
Roger Vanderfield Referee of the Year – Nic Berry
Rookie of the Year – Andrew Kellaway
Try of the Year – Marika Koroibete
Shawn Mackay Men’s Sevens Player of the Year – Henry Hutchison
Shawn Mackay Women’s Sevens Player of the Year – Charlotte Caslick
John Eales Medal – Michael Hooper
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