Wallabies number eight Rob Valetini won Australia Rugby’s top award after claiming his first John Eales Medal on Wednesday.
Voted by the players after each game, Valetini was one of the most consistent players in World Rugby in 2023.
The Brumbies backrower polled 141 votes to finish ahead of Angus Bell with 132 and Marika Koroibete with 116.
Valetini, who is the younger brother of Fijian Drua fly-half Kemu Valetini, was a narrow runner-up to Koroibete in 2022, finishing 32 votes behind the winger.
“It means a lot. It was disappointing results last year but winning this award means a lot, even if it was a little bittersweet,” Valetini said.
The 25-year-old played nearly every minute for the Wallabies and started at number eight in all nine games.
This included a debut World Cup appearance in France against Georgia, leading the team in 41 carries, and third for tackles in their four games at the tournament.
