Fraser McReight has been awarded the John Eales Medal, joining a distinguished group of Wallabies openside flankers to receive the honor. The 27-year-old Queensland Reds player secured the accolade at Rugby Australia’s awards event in Sydney, marking him as one of the sport’s elite performers. McReight is the fifth openside flanker to win the medal, following in the footsteps of George Smith, Phil Waugh, David Pocock, and Michael Hooper. His achievement also ends a 20-year drought for an active Queensland Reds player claiming the award, the last being Chris Latham in 2006.
Throughout 2026, McReight demonstrated exceptional influence on the field, particularly with his breakdown dominance and defensive work. While kept relatively quiet during the Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand, he was otherwise a standout in an inconsistent year for the Wallabies. The national team endured a difficult start with a winless spring tour in 2025 and early losses to Ireland and France in 2026. However, their form improved under new head coach Les Kiss, who took over from Joe Schmidt and led the team to victories against Japan and a first-ever series win in Argentina, capped by a notable win over reigning world champions South Africa in Perth. Despite these successes, the Wallabies remained unable to claim the Bledisloe Cup, which New Zealand has held for 24 consecutive years.
McReight finished the season with a personal best of six tries, including a double against France, reinforcing his reputation recognized by All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who described McReight as “probably the best in the world.”
In other award recognitions, 21-year-old Faitala Moleka made history as the youngest recipient of the Wallaroos Player of the Year, thanks to her breakout performances at inside centre during the WXV Global Series. On the sevens circuit, national captains Isabella Nasser and Henry Hutchison earned the Shawn Mackay Awards for women’s and men’s players of the year, respectively. Nasser led the Australian women’s sevens team to a World Championship title, while Hutchison helped the men’s team secure their first tournament win since 2023, taking gold in Valladolid.
Queensland Reds fullback Jock Campbell received the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year award. The Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year went to Siokapesi Palu Sekona, captain of both the ACT Brumbies and the Wallaroos. Rookie honors were claimed by Amelia Whitaker, recognized as the Women’s Rookie of the Year following her inaugural Wallaroos season, and Treyvon Pritchard, who earned Men’s Rookie of the Year in his debut Super Rugby Pacific season.
Among junior players, Edwin Langi, an Australian U20 and NSW Waratahs prop, was named Junior Men’s Player of the Year, while 19-year-old Waiaria Ellis received Junior Women’s Player of the Year. Referee Nic Berry was acknowledged with the Referee of the Year Award for his consistently high standards across the season.
The awards ceremony also paid tribute to community contributions with the inaugural Peter Meagher Spirit of Rugby Award going to Paula Watkins, chair of Brisbane Junior Rugby Union Western Region. The award commemorates Randwick club legend Peter Meagher, who was tragically killed in the Bondi shooting attack last year, honoring Watkins' sustained dedication and support of grassroots rugby.
Meanwhile, James Ramm’s unconventional rugby journey has gained fresh momentum with his surprise inclusion in Australia’s November tour squad. The 28-year-old outside back spent four years playing for Northampton Saints in the United Kingdom before brief stints in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship with Northland and signing with the Western Force ahead of 2027. Ramm, who initially dreamed of competing as a gymnast at the Olympics, transitioned to rugby following a crucial move to St Joseph’s College in high school. His recent form in both England and New Zealand has led to this unexpected selection by coach Les Kiss, marking a significant milestone as he prepares for his first Wallabies tour.