Valetini beat fellow backrowers Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight to the highest honour in Australian men’s rugby.

Loading

In coach Joe Schmidt’s first season in charge of the Wallabies, Valetini’s consistently excellent performances were once again recognised by his international teammates who voted for the award.

Valetini’s ability to win collisions and gain ground against the toughest defences in world rugby remains a key part of the Wallabies’ game plan and the Brumbies’ breakaway also scored two tries against Georgia and one against Argentina.

Wilson captained the Wallabies in their last four Tests, becoming the 90th player to lead Australia after capping an impressive international comeback after being axed from the Wallabies squad prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

McReight’s superb run of form internationally was slightly interrupted after missing four Tests against South Africa and Argentina after undergoing surgery for a broken hand sustained in the first Test of the season in July against Wales in Sydney.

The Reds breakaway’s excellent club form was recognised, as he defended his Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title.

Winger Maya Stewart was named Wallaroos Player of the Year after scoring nine tries in eight Tests, becoming her country’s record try scorer and playing a key role in winning the WXV 2 tournament in South Africa.

Stewart is now recognised as one of the game’s best talents and reflected on her journey to the top of the sport after a difficult start to her career.

“I’ve had a few injury-plagued seasons and started, you know, my rugby career quite slowly, but it’s been really nice,” Stewart said. “It’s been building for some time now, so it means a lot to honestly receive an award like this, It’s been something I’ve wanted to do, but not something I’ve been looking to do.”

Maddison Levi won her second successive best women’s sevens player award, with the superstar player currently caught in a potential tug of war for her services, with the NRLW and the Wallaroos both keen to utilise her talents in the future. Nathan Lawson won the men’s sevens player of the year award.

Meanwhile, Toutai Kefu and Matthew Burke were inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame and Selena Tranter, Cheryl McAfee and Emilee Barton were inducted into the inaugural Australian Women’s Rugby Hall of Fame.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.