Michael Hooper wins second John Eales Medal

Waratahs Captain and Wallabies vice-captain, Michael Hooper has won the 2016 John Eales Medal after first claiming the title back in 2013.

The number seven beat out David Pocock by 107 votes to win the award, with his back row partner finishing second despite missing five Tests in 2016, with his World Cup domination propelling him up the leaderboard.

“Over the past twelve months, Michael has been consistently one of the most impressive players in the world, and this was never more evident than during last year’s World Cup when he combined masterfully with David Pocock to steer Australia to the final,” said Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver.

“Michael is still 24 but has shown than age is no barrier after having been named Australia’s youngest Test captain in 2014."

The 24-year-old was also voted the fan favourite for a remarkable fourth year in a row, with his award double answering some early season critics.

John Eales Medal Award winners:

John Eales Medal: Michael Hooper

Wallabies Rookie of the Year: Dane Haylett-Petty

Wallabies Try of the Year: Drew Mitchell (most responsible for Adam Ashley-Cooper’s try), Australia v Argentina, Twickenham Stadium, 2015 Rugby World Cup Semi Final

Australia’s Choice – Wallaby of the Year: Michael Hooper

Wallabies Hall of Fame: John ‘Jack’ Ford, John Solomon, Peter Johnson

Super Rugby Player of the Year: Sean McMahon, Melbourne Rebels

Super Rugby Team of the Year: Brumbies

Super Rugby Coach of the Year: Stephen Larkham, Brumbies

Super Rugby Rookie of the Year: Reece Hodge, Melbourne Rebels

Super Rugby Try of the Year: Nick Frisby (most responsible for Jake McIntyre’s try), Queensland Reds v Blues, Suncorp Stadium, Round 4

Super Rugby Referee of the Series: Angus Gardner

National Rugby Championship Player of the Year: Irae Simone, Sydney Rays

Australian U20 Player of the Year: Tyrell Lomax

Shawn Mackay Award Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Ed Jenkins

Shawn Mackay Award Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Charlotte Caslick

Women’s XVs Player of the Year: Ashleigh Hewson

Joe French Award: Alec Evans

Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award: Megan and Anthony Elliot

Roger Vanderfield Award – Referee of the Year: Angus Gardner

Volunteer of the Year: Deon Norval, Uni Norths Owls Rugby Club, ACT

Lifetime Volunteer of the Year: Dougal Whitton, Canberra Royals Rugby Club, ACT

Young Volunteer of the Year (U25): Hayden Croghan, Palmyra Rugby Club, WA

Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year: Kylie Dawson, Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School Rugby, Tamworth, NSW and NSW Central Norths Rugby