Fraser McReight wins first John Eales Medal at Rugby Australia Awards

Fraser McReight has won the John Eales Medal for the first time. The Wallabies flanker finished ahead of Jeremy Williams and Rob Valetini at the 2026 Rugby Australia Awards, which stopped Valetini from winning the medal for a third year running.

McReight also won a second award. He was named Defender of the Year for his performance in the Wallabies' Test against France in Brisbane.

A first Wallaroos award for Moleka

Faitala Moleka was named Wallaroos Player of the Year ahead of her teammates Piper Duck and Siokapesi Palu Sekona. Rugby Australia said she was another first-time winner on the night. Moleka did not attend the ceremony because she was in New Zealand with Australia U21, who play a trans-Tasman match in Christchurch on Saturday 31 October 2026.

Palu Sekona still left with two awards. The Brumbies captain became the first player to be named Super Rugby Women's Player of the Year more than once. She also won Try of the Year for her try in the Wallaroos' match against Scotland in Canberra.

Campbell wins the Super Rugby award

Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell was named Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year. He beat Valetini, Williams and Max Jorgensen to the award. Rugby Australia reported that Campbell has left the Reds and is set to join a club in Japan.

The Reds had a second winner. Treyvon Pritchard was named Men's Rookie of the Year, and Amelia Whitaker of the Wallaroos won the women's rookie award. Edwin Langi, who plays for Australia U20 and the NSW Waratahs, was named Junior Men's Player of the Year.

Sevens and refereeing awards

Henry Hutchison won the Shawn Mackay Award as Men's Sevens Player of the Year. He first won it in 2021. Isabella Nasser won the women's sevens award for the first time after she captained Australia to the World Championship title.

Nic Berry was named Referee of the Year for the third time. He also won the award in 2019 and 2021.