Rugby’s night of nights is here as the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards celebrate the best and brightest.
It’s a stacked night of events celebrating all levels of the sport in what was a massive year for the sport.
Watch Australia A take on Japan XV this Saturday live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Rob Valetini and Maya Stewart are the defending John Eales Medalists and Wallaroos Player of the Year, respectively.
However, injury-affected years for the pair means there will be at least one new winner this evening.
There are also the Shawn Mackay Awards, with the likes of Maddison Levi, Henry Hutchison and Henry Paterson out to add to their haul while Faith Nathan, Isabella Nasser and James Turner hunt for their first.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR ALL THE ACTION FROM THE 2025 RUGBY AUSTRALIA AWARDS
5:30 pm – Welcome
Welcome to Rugby.com.au’s coverage of the 2025 Rugby Australia Awards
Rugby’s superstars are just about to walk the red carpet, with the ceremony set to commence in just over an hour.
Follow this blog to find out the award winners from the night or Rugby AU socials.
As a reminder, here are the nominees for the major awards for the night, with the John Eales Medal shortlist to be announced later in the night.
2025 RUGBY AUSTRALIA AWARDS FINALISTS
John Eales Medal
To be announced on the night
Wallaroos Player of the Year
Desiree Miller
Cecilla Smith
Tabua Tuinakauvadra
Shawn Mackay Medal
Men’s
Henry Hutchinson
Henry Paterson
James Turner
Women’s
Maddison Levi
Isabella Nasser
Faith Nathan
SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year
Langi Gleeson (NSW Waratahs)
Tom Hooper (ACT Brumbies)
Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds)
Carlo Tizzano (Western Force)
Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies)
SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year
Georgina Friedrichs (NSW Waratahs)
Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs)
Tiarah Minns (QLD Reds)
Santos Rookie of the Year
Aden Ekanayake (Men’s 7s)
Mackenzie Davis (Women’s 7s)
Waiaria Ellis (Wallaroos)
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (NSW Waratahs/Wallabies)
Junior Men’s Player of the Year
Aden Ekanayake (Men’s 7s/AUS U20s)
Sid Harvey (Men’s 7s/AUS U20s)
Eamon Doyle (AUS U20s)
Junior Women’s Player of the Year
Mackenzie Davis (Women’s 7s)
Caitlyn Halse (NSW Waratahs/Wallaroos)
Waiaria Ellis (NSW Waratahs/Wallaroos)
Cadbury Try of the Year
1. Max Jorgensen v England, Spring Tour
2. Charlotte Caslick v USA, PAC4
3. Teddy Wilson v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific
4. Georgina Friedrichs v Reds, Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final
5. Heidi Dennis v NZ, Perth 7s
6. Sid Harvey v Fiji, Hong Kong 7s
Defender of the Year
Jayden Blake v Blitzboks, Perth 7s
Maddison Levi v NZ, Singapore
Ashley Marsters v Black Ferns, PAC4
Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific