The John Eales Medal is awarded to honour the best Australian rugby union player each year. The medal, which was launched in 2002, is jointly awarded each year by the Australian Rugby Union and the Rugby Union Players Association.
The medal is named after John Eales, arguably the most successful captain in the history of Australian Rugby.
Voting for the John Eales Medal is tallied after each Test match, with each Wallabies player awarding points on a 3–2–1 basis.
RUPA Chief Executive Tony Dempsey is quoted as saying: This is the ultimate award. To be voted the best in your country by your own peers is the highest honour a player can hope to aspire to. Naming this award after Australia's most successful captain ever is fully endorsed by the Players. This has become one of the most sought after and coveted awards in Australian sport.
The winner of the 2021 medal, Michael Hooper, was honoured for a record fourth time.
List of winners Season Winner2002George Smith2003Phil Waugh2004David Lyons2005Jeremy Paul2006Chris Latham2007Nathan Sharpe2008George Smith (2)2009Matt Giteau2010David Pocock2011Kurtley Beale2012Nathan Sharpe (2)2013Michael Hooper2014Israel Folau2015Israel Folau (2)2016Michael Hooper (2)2017Israel Folau (3)2018David Pocock (2)2019Marika Koroibete2020Michael Hooper (3)2021Michael Hooper (4)2022Marika Koroibete (2)2023Rob Valetini2024Rob Valetini (2)2025Len Ikitau
See also
References
External links RUPA.com.au