Sponsored by RUPA’s long-standing partners, BDO, The lunch will be held at the Fullerton Hotel on Thursday December 4th 2025. The Lunch recognises the importance of player development, both on and off the field, and highlights the role that education and career growth play in supporting players throughout and beyond their professional careers.

It is one of the few occasions where generations of rugby unite to acknowledge excellence, share stories, strengthen connections and honour those who have helped shape the game. This year’s lunch will also host the presentation of the 2025 BDO RUPA Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions across leadership, personal growth and development.

Finalists for each award listed below:

Men’s Medal for Excellence

Presented by: BDO

Awarded to the player who demonstrates outstanding on-field performance, strong leadership, meaningful off-field contribution, and overall excellence in Australian rugby.

Finalists:

Allan AlaalatoaTom HooperLangi GleesonHarry WilsonTriston ReillyFilipo DaugunuTom RobertsonHarry Potter

Women’s Medal for Excellence

Presented by: Buildcorp

Awarded to the player who exemplifies leadership, elite performance, professionalism, and meaningful contribution to the growth of the women’s game, on and off the field.

Finalists:

Tabua TuinakauvadraFaliki PohivaAnneka StephensSiokapesi PaluTrilleen PomareGeorgina FriedrichsEva KarpaniShalom Sauaso

Academic Achievement Award

Presented by: Robert Walters

Celebrates players who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their studies or education while balancing the demands of professional rugby.

Finalists:

Nicole LedingtonJosh NasserCorey TooleHugh SinclairTatum BirdNick Champion de CrespignyLiam WrightRory Scott

Community Service Award

Presented by: Lion

Celebrates the player who has made a significant positive impact on their community through volunteering, advocacy, charity work or mentorship.

Finalists:

Fergus Lee WarnerHarry McLaughlin-PhillipsTom HooperLuke ReimerBrittany MerloJeremy WilliamsOllie SapsfordJack Debreczeni

Newcomer of the Year Award

Presented by: Citation Legal

Awarded to the emerging player who has made the most significant on-field impact in their first season, demonstrating strong potential, professionalism and long-term promise.

Finalists:

Dre PakehoLachlan ShawMackenzie DavisJamie AdamsonManu’a MolekaSeneti KilisimasiAden EkanayakeAlbert AlcockNgamihi Monk

Inaugural Vocational Achievement Award

Presented by: RUPA 

The inaugural RUPA Vocational Achievement Award is designed to recognise alternate pathways in career training and development that exist outside of formal tertiary
education. It recognises those who have not come from traditional academic backgrounds and others who have sought opportunities to develop themselves through industry initiatives. It reflects an increasing emphasis for RUPA members to increase
their career readiness while still playing. 

Finalists:

Dylan PietschLawson CreightonGabby PetersonTrilleen PomareConnor VestBree-Anna BrownJack Debreczeni

Inaugural Leadership Award

Presented by: RUPA

This award recognises a player who exemplifies exceptional leadership. They are an inspiring figure, consistently demonstrating integrity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to rugby’s values of humility, teamwork, adaptability, and respect. This individual is crucial in fostering team cohesion and contributing to success, leading by example in competition and
supporting their peers off the field, they truly embody the spirit of rugby leadership.

Finalists:

Harry WilsonEmily ChancellorJames SlipperDarcy SwainSiokapesi PaluAnneka StephensLori Cramer

Women’s Rugby Sevens Players’ Player Award

Presented by: Taylors Wine

Recognises the player in the national Sevens program who has displayed exceptional performance, consistency, leadership and contribution to the squad. Voted by the players.

Finalists:

Maddison LeviMackenzie DavisFaith NathanKahli HenwoodSariah PakiIsabella Nasser

Men’s Rugby Sevens Players’ Player Award

Presented by: Gallagher Insurance

Acknowledges the player who has excelled through performance, professionalism, leadership and meaningful contribution to the team environment. Voted by the players.

Finalists:

Matthew GonzalezHenry HutchisonAden EkanayakeMaurice LongbottomJames TurnerJayden Blake