Israel Folau

Wallabies and Waratahs fullback Israel Folau has been handed the ultimate honour in Australian rugby after being named the John Eales Medallist for 2014.

At Australian rugby’s night of nights, the ARU celebrated and acknowledged the men and women in the Australian rugby community – fans, players, coaches, match officials and administrators – for their dedication, commitment and outstanding performance.

The 2014 ceremony was the first time performances in Super Rugby competition were incorporated into the event, while it was the first opportunity to recognise the best performers from the inaugural National Rugby Championship.

The John Eales Medallist is voted for by Wallabies players on a 3-2-1 basis after each Test. The winner is the player that has accumulated the most points over the past 12 months from the 2013 Spring Tour to the third Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand earlier this month.

The 25-year-old, who was last year recognised as the Wallabies Rookie of the Year, picked up 314 votes in total, ahead of his Waratahs team mate Michael Hooper (232), James Slipper (208), Tevita Kuridrani (202) and Stephen Moore (98) to claim the coveted accolade.

The John Eales Medal is due reward for Folau after an impressive 2013 Spring Tour, stunning performances against France in the June Test Series and a series of consistent displays in The Rugby Championship. Since last November, Folau has scored eight tries for his country.

Israel Folau has been named the joint winner of the Super Rugby Player of the Year award along with Michael Hooper, with both playing pivotal roles in the Waratahs’ remarkable 2014 season.

Australian Rugby Union CEO, Bill Pulver congratulated Israel Folau for his performances in 2014.

“Israel Folau is one of the most exciting players in world rugby at the moment and his performances over the last 12 months make him a worthy recipient of this award.”

“On behalf of the wider Australian rugby community, we congratulate Israel on being named the 2014 John Eales Medallist and wish him all the best for the forthcoming Spring Tour.”

The Wallabies depart on Friday for their traditional end of year Spring Tour which will feature matches against the Barbarians, Wales, France, Ireland and England.

Other awards presented at the John Eales Medal award ceremony, three former stalwarts of the game – Wylie Breckenridge, Greg Davis and Simon Poidevin – were inducted into the Wallaby Hall of Fame. Each inductee was chosen for demonstrating outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era.

Back-rower Sean McMahon from the Melbourne Rebels, who was named in the Wallabies touring party for the forthcoming Spring Tour, collected three awards at the John Eales Medal. Hewas named the Australian U20s Player of the Year; the National Rugby Championship Player of the Series; and the Super Rugby Rookie of the Year.

25-year-old lock Sam Carter, who made his debut against France in the Brisbane Test in June and played eight Tests in 2014, was named the Wallabies Rookie of the Year.

New head coach Michael Cheika collected the Super Rugby Coach of the Year after leading the Waratahs to their maiden Super Rugby title. The Waratahs, meanwhile, won the Super Rugby Team of the Year.

2014 John Eales Medal Awards:

• John Eales Medal: Israel Folau
• Wallabies Rookie of the Year: Sam Carter
• Wallaby Try of the Year: Rob Horne (Wallabies v South Africa in Perth)
• Australia’s Choice – Wallaby of the Year: Michael Hooper
• Wallabies Hall of Fame: Wylie Breckenridge, Greg Davis and Simon Poidevin
• Super Rugby Player of the Year: Joint winners – Israel Folau (Waratahs) and Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
• Super Rugby Team of the Year: Waratahs
• Super Rugby Coach of the Year: Michael Cheika (Waratahs)
• Super Rugby Rookie of the Year: Sean McMahon (Rebels)
• Super Rugby Try of the Year: Scott Higginbotham (Rebels v Cheetahs, Round 3)
• Super Rugby Referee of the Year: Steve Walsh
• Australia Under 20 Player of the Year: Sean McMahon
• The Shawn Mackay Award Sevens Player of the Year: Emilee Cherry
• Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Cameron Clark
• Women’s Player of the Year: Emilee Cherry
• NRC Player of the Series: Sean McMahon
• Joe French Award: Dick Marks
• Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby: Andrew Purchas
• Roger Vanderfield Award Referee of the Year: Amy Perrett
• HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Chris Hicks
• Asteron Life Community Coach of the Year: Sila Taungakava
• Ultimate Fan: Trevor Hancock