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KARMICHAEL HUNT DISCIPLINARY OUTCOME

19/03/2018, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 26127302
 
 
KARMICHAEL HUNT DISCIPLINARY OUTCOME
MARCH 19, 2018
Rugby Australia has today concluded its disciplinary process into the off-field conduct of Wallabies and Queensland Reds back Karmichael Hunt following his arrest in Brisbane on December 30, 2017.

Hunt was the subject of criminal proceedings in the Brisbane Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty on separate charges of possessing a dangerous drug (Alprazolam) and contravening a Police direction. He was fined $300 by the Court for each offence.

As set out in the Professional Player’s Code of Conduct, Rugby Australia was required to await the conclusion of criminal proceedings before progressing any disciplinary action.

Having carefully considered the offences admitted by the player, the verdict and judgment of the Court, it was determined Hunt had committed a low-level breach of the Code.

However, Rugby Australia also considered Hunt’s previous disciplinary matter and the consequential significant reputational damage that his recent arrest and Court proceedings has caused to Rugby in determining its sanction.

Hunt has today been issued a fine of $10,000, along with a four (4) match suspension. In addition, he will be placed on an illicit drug target testing program for a period of twelve (12) months and will participate in any drug treatment and education programs deemed necessary by Rugby Australia.

Given Hunt has served a voluntary stand-down since his arrest and through to the current round of Super Rugby, it was deemed that his four-match suspension has been served. The $10,000 fine will be paid to the Australian Rugby Foundation to support community Rugby initiatives.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “We take all matters of off-field behaviour seriously and have conducted a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Karmichael Hunt’s arrest in December, and the subsequent Court proceedings.

“In arriving at today’s outcome, we’ve considered the judgement of the Court and all the evidence we had available relating to Karmichael’s arrest, as well as considering the damage that the very public nature of his arrest and the subsequent speculation has inflicted on the game.

“The penalty handed down to Karmichael today also takes into account a previous disciplinary matter for which he was fined and suspended in 2015.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

24/11/2017, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 24944452
 

RUGBY FANS WIN BIG FROM NSW GOVERNMENT'S SYDNEY STADIUM PLANS

NOVEMBER 24, 2017
Rugby fans are the big winners from the NSW Government’s Sydney stadium plans announced today.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres confirmed Allianz and ANZ Stadiums will be rebuilt and transformed into world-class facilities, ensuring fans of the NSW Waratahs and Australia’s national teams including the Qantas Wallabies and Qantas Australian Sevens teams will experience their teams like never before.

Under its plan, the NSW Government has committed to:
  • A new 45,000-seat stadium to replace Allianz Stadium at Moore Park with construction to start in 2018 and open in 2021 (estimated $705 million, subject to final procurement); and
  • A new 75,000-seat rectangular stadium to replace ANZ at Sydney Olympic Park, construction to start in 2019 and open in 2022 (estimated $1.25 billion, subject to final procurement).
The new stadium announcements follow the announcement in 2016 of a new 30,000-seat rectangular stadium at Parramatta, which is currently under construction and due for completion in 2019.
 
“Fans will be closer to the action than ever before, with steep seating creating a colosseum inspired wall of sound and colour, enhanced with the world’s most advanced technology,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This investment means we can compete on the world stage for events such as the Rugby World Cup, and keep Sydney as the number one sporting destination.”

Rugby Australia CEO Bill Pulver heralded today’s announcement as a huge win for Rugby fans.
 
 “We commend the leadership and vision of Premier Berejiklian and Minister Ayres in delivering this outcome, which represents a significant improvement on the stadium package announced by the NSW Government in 2016 and has delivered a dream result for Rugby,” said Pulver.

“Sydney is one of the world’s premier cities and deserves to have world-class stadia which reflects this standing to attract the biggest sports and entertainment events.

“In recent times the city has fallen significantly behind the other major centres in Australia with its aging stadium infrastructure but this commitment by the NSW Government will ensure NSW is at the forefront for major sports stadiums on a global scale.

“By 2022, Sydney will have three new world-class stadiums in action at Parramatta, Homebush and Moore Park purpose-built for rectangular sports, ensuring the best possible experience for Rugby fans and enabling us to bring the biggest Rugby tournaments in the world to Australia. Crucially, it positions us well for future Rugby World Cup bids," he said.

In 2018 Allianz Stadium will play host over the Australia Day long weekend to the third HSBC Sydney 7s, one of the world’s premier Sevens tournaments which attracted sell-out crowds in its first two years, as well as a much-anticipated international between the Qantas Wallabies and Ireland in June.

The Moore Park venue is also home to the NSW Waratahs, the only team that represents the state on a regular basis nationally and internationally in Vodafone Super Rugby.

ANZ Stadium has been the home of the Bledisloe Cup since 2012 and will once again host the sport’s biggest rivalry as the Qantas Wallabies take on the New Zealand All Blacks in the opening match of the 2018 Rugby Championship in August.

 
 
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KARMICHAEL HUNT RE-SIGNS UNTIL THE END OF 2019

KARMICHAEL HUNT RE-SIGNS UNTIL THE END OF 2019

24/11/2017, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 24944297
 

KARMICHAEL HUNT RE-SIGNS UNTIL THE END OF 2019

NOVEMBER 24, 2017

Qantas Wallabies back Karmichael Hunt has re-signed until the end of 2019, after putting pen to paper on a two year deal with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.

Hunt became the 48th dual code Australia International earlier this year, after making his Wallabies debut against Fiji in Melbourne.

The 30-year old now has five Test caps to his name, to add to his 11 appearances for Australia in Rugby League as well as 10 games of State of Origin for Queensland. 

Qantas Wallabies back, Karmichael Hunt said: “It's been a big year for me personally, obviously making my Wallabies debut was a huge honour but I really enjoyed getting some really solid minutes up in Queensland with Reds.

"I'm really enjoying my time in Rugby. There have been some challenges but I've been loving the journey to now. 

"The Spring Tour has opened my eyes a bit to how big the game is in the Northern Hemisphere. The atmosphere at Twickenham last Saturday was up with the best I have ever experienced.

"I definitely have my eyes on the 2019 World Cup in Japan. I think this Wallabies group is building something special and it's something I really want to be part of.

"I'm looking forward to getting stuck in with Thorny (Brad Thorn) next year at the Reds too. We have a great mix of players at the Reds now and I think the coaching staff can bring the best out of the group," Hunt said.

Hunt joined the Reds ahead of the 2015 season after stints in the National Rugby League (NRL), before playing rugby union in the French Top 14 and four seasons with the Gold Coast Suns in the Australia Football League (AFL).

Hunt is just the second Australian athlete after Israel Folau to compete professionally in all three of the country's winter football codes - having played in the NRL, AFL and Super Rugby.

Karmichael Hunt
Position: Utility back
Height: 186cm
Weight: 93kg
DOB: 17/11/1986
Test debut: 2017 v Fiji, Melbourne
Test caps: 5
Super Rugby debut: 2015 v Brumbies, Canberra
Super Rugby caps: 32
Super Rugby points: 23 (4T, 1 PG)

 
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FOLAU CLAIMS THIRD JOHN EALES MEDAL

FOLAU CLAIMS THIRD JOHN EALES MEDAL

26/10/2017, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 24603929
 

FOLAU CLAIMS THIRD JOHN EALES MEDAL AT RUGBY AUSTRALIA AWARDS, DALTON AND STANNARD CLAIM SEVENS HONOURS

OCTOBER 26, 2017
Note to editors: Images are available for editorial use here. Photo credit ARU Media. 

Israel Folau has won the John Eales Medal for an historic third time at the Rugby Australia Awards at Randwick Racecourse on Thursday evening.

Folau became the first player to win the coveted prize for a third time in its 16 years, surpassing Michael Hooper, Nathan Sharpe and George Smith who have all won the award twice.

Amassing 260 votes from his Wallabies teammates since the start of the 2016 Spring Tour, Folau’s standout season for the Qantas Wallabies featured a record 12 Test tries including four doubles.

Taking out the Player of the Year gongs for the Aussie Sevens were Chloe Dalton OAM and James Stannard, who collected the awards named in honour of the late Shawn MacKay.

Chloe Dalton was a standout for the Aussie Women’s Sevens team scoring 168 points across the season, making her the fourth-highest points scorer in the HSBC World Sevens Series and the top Australian as the Aussies finished the season in second position.

Evergreen James Stannard has gone from strength to strength in the past year, the 34-year-old Sevens veteran notching 248 points to place him seventh in the Series as he led a relatively inexperienced but talented men’s squad to a sixth place finish.

The Buildcorp Wallaroos Player of the Year went to Hilisha Samoa. The front-rower was a dominant force throughout the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland, earning Player of the Match in Australia’s stirring victory over the host nation.   

ARU CEO Bill Pulver congratulated Folau on his record-breaking year: “Israel’s form this year has been electric and once again he proved what an incredible asset he is to this Wallabies team.

“To have a third John Eales Medal around his neck after only five years in professional Rugby is an extraordinary achievement and at just 28, he’s got plenty left to achieve in Rugby.”

Pulver also praised the Aussie Sevens and Wallaroos winners on their accolades: “Chloe Dalton is a wonderful all-round talent on the Rugby field and she has grown significantly as a leader of our Women’s Sevens team over the past twelve months.

“At a time of generational change in our Aussie Sevens squads following the 2016 Olympic Games, James Stannard is another one who continues to lead by example. He is an ageless wonder, to think that he is 34 and has just produced arguably his best season with the team.

“We are also very proud of our Wallaroos’ World Cup campaign this year, where the team fell just short of the semi-finals after producing some of their best Rugby. Hilisha Samoa is a worthy recipient of the top honour for the Wallaroos with the way she led from the front and proved that being a mother of two is no barrier to becoming one of the best Rugby players in the country.”

Qantas Wallabies Captain Michael Hooper won ‘Australia’s Choice: Qantas Wallaby of the Year Award’ for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting the skipper’s popularity amongst fans.

Two new inductees to the Wallabies Hall of Fame were announced on the night, with Wallaby #364 David Brockhoff and Wallaby #575 Greg Cornelsen joining Australian Rugby’s most revered company.

Amanaki Mafi from the Melbourne Rebels claimed Super Rugby Player of the Year honours, a standout for the club in a difficult year.  

The HSBC Volunteer of the Year title was awarded to Peter Kurtz from Biloela Rugby Club in Central Queensland.  Thanks to the generosity of HSBC, Peter’s club will receive $10,000.00 to spend on equipment for the upcoming season.

The Rugby community was saddened with the passing of Lachlan Ward from the Warringah club earlier this season, but the great spirit of Rugby was seen in the hours, days, weeks, and months that followed as the Warringah Rats rallied around the Ward family, making both Warringah and the Ward family worthy recipients of the Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award. 

In a year when Australia’s refereeing depth continues to rise, Angus Gardner was rewarded for his consistent performances at Test, Super Rugby, and NRC level with the TNT Referee of the Year Award.

Two of Australian Rugby’s rising stars in the XVs format of the game, Qantas Wallaby Ned Hanigan was named the Rookie of the Year and young Queenslander, Liam Wright took out the Australia U20s Player of the Year.
 
2017 Rugby Australia Awards 
Wallabies Hall of Fame inductees: David Brockhoff & Greg Cornelsen
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Peter Kurtz
Roger Vanderfield Award TNT Referee of the Year: Angus Gardner
Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby: Warringah Rugby Club/The Ward Family
Australia U20s Player of the Year: Liam Wright
Joe French Award: Kevin Crowe OAM
Geoff “Bunter” Shaw Community Coach of the Year: Alana Thomas
Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year: Ned Hanigan
Rugby Australia Try of the Year: Joe Powell (Brumbies) v Hurricanes (Round 9)
Vodafone Super Rugby Player of the Year: Amanaki Mafi, Melbourne Rebels
Australia’s Choice – Qantas Wallaby of the Year: Michael Hooper
Women’s XV Player of the Year: Hilisha Samoa
The Shawn Mackay Award Qantas Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: James Stannard
The Shawn Mackay Award Qantas Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Chloe Dalton OAM
John Eales Medal: Israel Folau

 
 
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QANTAS WALLABIES START GRAND SLAM WITH VICTORY IN CARDIFF

QANTAS WALLABIES START GRAND SLAM WITH VICTORY IN CARDIFF

06/11/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 20070096
 

QANTAS WALLABIES START GRAND SLAM WITH VICTORY IN CARDIFF

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2016
The Qantas Wallabies have defeated Wales 32 to 8 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday morning getting their Grand Slam tour off to a winning start.

The Wallabies have now won 12 in a row against Wales, maintaining a perfect record against the Dragons from 2009.

Australia dominated possession and territory running in five tries to Wales’ one as the Wallabies dismantled the Welsh defence in the first half and finished well in the second.

Australia’s quest for a Grand Slam continues next week when the Wallabies play Scotland in Edinburgh.

Bernard Foley and Welsh fullback Leigh Halfpenny traded penalties in the opening ten minutes as the two packs jostled for superiority at the breakdown.

The first try to the men in gold came off the back of a powerful rolling maul from the Australian forwards who rumbled over the line to score in the corner to take the score to 3-8.

The Wallabies dominated possession and territory in the opening quarter of the match, as Wales were barely able to escape their own half, but the defence from Wales made going tough for the Wallabies who rued missed opportunities to extend the lead.

Wales were reduced to 14 men with flyhalf Dan Biggar pulling down Dane Haylett-Petty, squandering what would have led to a try for the men in gold.

Back to back tries to Australia through Wallabies centre pairing of Reece Hodge and Tevita Kuridrani gave Australia a commanding 20-3 lead where the score would remain at the interval.

A significantly improved Wales emerged from the Principality Stadium sheds in Cardiff, as Wales scrapped for every possible opportunity for possession, slowing down the Wallabies ball and creating a tough battle up front.

Wales capitalised on the swing of momentum with a brilliant individual try from centre Scott Williams who kicked in behind the Wallabies defence to regather and score in the corner. Dan Biggar couldn’t add the extras taking the score to 8-25.

Tries to Bernard Foley and Dane Haylett-Petty continued the good day at the office for the Wallabies backs, ensuring Australia continued its winning streak in Cardiff with a 8-32 score line.

Australia will now travel to Edinburgh for the second leg of the Grand Slam with the match to be broadcast live on beIN Sports.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
4 mins: Bernard Foley pen WAL 0-3 AUS
6 mins: Leigh Halfpenny pen WAL 3-3 AUS
10 mins: Stephen Moore try, WAL 3-8 AUS
26 mins: Reece Hodge try, WAL 3-13 AUS
34 mins: Tevita Kuridrani try, Bernard Foley con, WAL 3-20 AUS
HALF TIME
54 mins: Bernard Foley try WAL 3-25 AUS
62 mins: Scott Williams try, WAL 8-25 AUS
75 mins: Dane Haylett-Petty try, Bernard Foley con WAL 8-32 AUS
 
Australia 32 (Stephen Moore, Reece Hodge, Tevita Kuridrani, Bernard Foley, Dane Haylett-Petty tries; Bernard Foley 2 cons; Bernard Foley pens) defeated Wales 8 (Scott Williams try ; Leigh Halfpenny pen) 
 
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HISTORIC AFTERNOON KICK OFFS SET FOR 2017 QANTAS WALLABIES JUNE SERIES

HISTORIC AFTERNOON KICK OFFS SET FOR 2017 QANTAS WALLABIES JUNE SERIES

03/11/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 20031047
 
 

HISTORIC AFTERNOON KICK OFFS SET FOR 2017 QANTAS WALLABIES JUNE SERIES

NOVEMBER 3, 2016
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today announced the schedule for the three-match June Test Series for 2017, where the Qantas Wallabies will host Fiji, Scotland and Italy.

Each of the three Tests, to be played at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, and Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, will kick off at 3pm AEST in a move to make the matches more appealing for families.

It will be the first time in Australia since the beginning of the professional era that all three matches in the mid-year Test window will be played in the afternoon.

The action will kick off in Melbourne when the Wallabies clash with Fiji at AAMI Park on Saturday, June 10. Fiji are the toast of World Rugby in the Sevens format after claiming the Olympic Gold medal in Rio, yet the Wallabies have dominated their Pacific rivals in the Test arena, including a 28-13 pool win in last year’s Rugby World Cup.

From there, the men in gold will return to Allianz Stadium to take on Scotland in a replay of their gripping 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, June 17. Scotland caused a major boilover on their last visit to our shores, emerging victorious from a water-logged Hunter Stadium in Newcastle, 9-6, in Wallabies vice-captain Michael Hooper’s debut Test.

Finally, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane will play host to the clash between the Wallabies and Italy on Saturday, June 24. The Azzurri last toured Australia in 2009 and are yet to notch a win over the Wallabies in 16 attempts.

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “Fans have told us that they would like more opportunities to watch Test Rugby in the afternoon, with clearly the biggest reason being that an afternoon timeslot makes it much easier to take the family along.

“The 3pm kick off across all of our June Test matches for 2017 gives fans, particularly our youngest fans, the opportunity to come out see the Wallabies play at a time that’s more convenient for families and to experience the game in the best rectangular stadiums in the country.

“We set new attendance records at Allianz Stadium and AAMI Park during our England Series this year and had another very strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium. All three venues are purpose-built for Rugby and the afternoon kick offs always attract strong interest and create a tremendous atmosphere not just in the stadiums but right across the cities.”

Victoria Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Philip Dalidakis said the event at AAMI Park shapes as another flagship addition to Victoria’s bustling calendar of major sporting events.

“Attracting a game like Fiji allows us to build our rugby support base and attract more Wallabies games to Melbourne,” Minister Dalidakis said.

“Events like Wallabies Tests aren’t just great spectacles, they’re big boosts to the state’s economy. The big sporting events bring visitors in their droves – and that’s valuable opportunities for Victoria’s businesses.”

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events and Minister for Sport, Stuart Ayres said: “There is nothing better than Test rugby on a Saturday afternoon, and the Wallabies match against Scotland at Allianz Stadium promises to be one of the highlights of the 2017 NSW sporting calendar. We are proud to support this game through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said she welcomed the ARU’s decision to play at a more family friendly time in Brisbane.
 
“I have no doubt that Suncorp Stadium, the best rugby stadium in the country, will be painted green and gold by fans of all ages for the Test next year,” Ms Jones said.

“I encourage visiting fans, whether Italian supporters or Wallabies supporters, to make the most of their stay and enjoy all that Brisbane and Queensland have to offer.”

Tickets for all three Qantas Wallabies 2017 June Tests will go on sale to the public on Tuesday 2 May, 2017.
 
2017 Qantas Wallabies June Test Series Schedule
Qantas Wallabies v Fiji, Saturday 10 June, AAMI Park
Qantas Wallabies v Scotland, Saturday 17 June, Allianz Stadium
Qantas Wallabies v Italy, Saturday 24 June, Suncorp Stadium

*All matches kick off at 3pm AEST.

 
 
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HOOPER WINS 2016 JOHN EALES MEDAL, CASLICK & JENKINS SCOOP SEVENS AWARDS

HOOPER WINS 2016 JOHN EALES MEDAL, CASLICK & JENKINS SCOOP SEVENS AWARDS

28/10/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19950723
 
 

HOOPER WINS 2016 JOHN EALES MEDAL, CASLICK & JENKINS SCOOP SEVENS AWARDS

OCTOBER 27, 2016
Qantas Wallabies vice-captain and flanker Michael Hooper has claimed the 2016 John Eales Medal, winning the award for a second time. Hooper’s standout season saw the 24-year-old score four tries for the Qantas Wallabies in 2016 to be named Australia’s Man of the Match in three out of the six domestic Tests.

Hooper was the clear leader of the 'player's player' 3-2-1 votes tally, amassing 296 points during the designated period from the pre-World Cup USA Test on 5 September 2015 to the final Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand on 22 October 2016. Despite injuries this year, David Pocock’s incredible World Cup campaign elevated him to second position with 189 votes, finishing ahead of Bernard Foley, Will Genia and Israel Folau who rounded out the top five. In winning the John Eales Medal for a second time, Hooper follows in the footsteps of Israel Folau (2014, 2015), George Smith (2002, 2008) and Nathan Sharpe (2007, 2012) who have all won rugby’s most prestigious award twice.
 
Michael Hooper also scooped up the award for Australia’s Choice Qantas Wallaby of the Year for the fourth year in a row, an incredible feat considering it is just his fifth year playing for the Wallabies.

In the first ever Olympic year for Rugby Sevens, Charlotte Caslick won the Shawn Mackay Award for Qantas Women’s Sevens Player of the Year after guiding her team to its maiden HSBC Sevens World Series victory, and then scoring seven tries during their successful Olympic gold medal campaign in Rio.

Captain of the Qantas Men's Sevens Team and Australia's most-capped Sevens player, Ed Jenkins was named Men’s Sevens Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, recognised for his valuable contribution during the team's best World Series season in four years.
 
Buildcorp Wallaroos captain Ash Hewson was named Women’s Player of the Year after leading Sydney to back-to-back victories at the Buildcorp Women’s XVs National Championships and her standout performances in the Wallaroos' historic two-Test series against the Black Ferns in New Zealand.
 
Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver congratulated Hooper on winning the 2016 John Eales Medal.
 
“Michael has an enviable talent and is a wonderful ambassador for our game. Time and time again, he shows an unparalleled commitment to all that he does in the gold jersey. He thoroughly deserves to receive this accolade for the second time," he said.
 
“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.
 
“Michael is still 24 but has shown than age is no barrier after having been named Australia’s youngest Test captain in 2014. As vice-captain of the Wallabies this year he has helped to lead the team admirably. We are excited to see what Michael and his team mates can do on the field during the coming Grand Slam tour, and we know they will be doing all they can to make us proud.”

Pulver also heaped praise on the Australian Women's Sevens team and congratulated Caslick on taking the crown for women's player of the year.

“To be named the best women's player of the 2016 Olympics is an astounding feat, and Charlotte thoroughly deserves this award,” Pulver said.

"The whole team also deserves to be congratulated for their outstanding year. To be crowned World Series and Olympic Champions in the same year is an amazing achievement, especially considering that the players were brought together just three years ago.

“The success of our Women’s Sevens team in Rio captivated the nation and put the sport of Sevens on the map, both here in Australia and all over the world.

"Ed Jenkins had a great season too, especially during the team's scintillating 2016 Sydney 7s campaign. I am incredibly excited our Women’s team and our Men's team have the opportunity to play at the upcoming HSBC Sydney 7s in front of their home fans, and I’m sure that everyone who comes along will be in awe of the exciting brand of Rugby that our men and women play.

"Finally, I'd like to congratulate the captain of our Wallaroos, Ash Hewson. It has been an historic year for the Wallaroos, playing in their first ever double header at Eden Park, and Ash has been a fantastic role model for her team both on and off the field."
   
Other awards presented at the John Eales Medal ceremony included the latest inductees to the Wallaby Hall of Fame. Pre-World War 2 Wallaby Tasmanian-born John “Jack” Ford, former Wallabies captain John Solomon and the late Peter Johnson were the three players chosen to join an elite group of just 35 others in the Wallaby Hall of Fame. Each inductee was chosen for demonstrating outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era.
 
Western Force fullback and recently-crowned Nathan Sharpe Medallist, Dane Haylett-Petty capped off his brilliant start to the 2016 Test season by adding the Qantas Wallabies Rookie of the Year award to his mantelpiece after playing 10 Tests this year.
 
After making more run metres and tackle busts than any other Australian forward during the 2016 Super Rugby season, Qantas Wallabies backrower and Melbourne Rebels stalwart Sean McMahon was named Asteron Life Super Rugby Player of the Year. His team mate, 22-year-old utility back Reece Hodge was named Asteron Life Super Rugby Rookie of the Year.

Qantas Wallabies Assistant Coach Stephen Larkham collected the Asteron Life Super Rugby Coach of the Year award after leading the Brumbies to the qualifying finals. For topping the Australian Super Rugby conference, the Brumbies were named the Asteron Life Super Rugby Team of the Year.

After a stunning Buildcorp National Rugby Championship season for the Sydney Rays, Irae Simone was named best player of the 2016 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship.
 
New Melbourne Rebels recruit Tyrel Lomax took the gong as the Australian U20s Player of the Year after impressing during the Oceania U20s Championship matches against New Zealand and at the World Rugby U20s Championship in England.
 
Co-founders of the Modified Rugby Program, Megan and Anthony Elliot were presented with the Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award and Alec Evans received the Joe French Award for his service to Australian Rugby as a coach and player.
 
The HSBC Volunteer of the Year title was awarded to Deon Norval from Uni Norths Owls in Canberra, while Dougal Whitton from Canberra Royals Rugby Club was recognised as Lifetime Volunteer of the Year and Hayden Croghan from Palmyra Rugby Club, WA, claimed HSBC’s Young Volunteer award. Norval will receive $10,000 from HSBC for his club, while Whitton and Croghan receive $5,000 each to be directed to their respective rugby clubs.
 
Angus Gardner collected two trophies for TNT Super Rugby Referee of the Series and the Roger Vanderfield Award for Referee of the Year, while Tamworth’s Kylie Dawson took home the Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year award.

2016 John Eales Medal Awards
John Eales Medal: Michael Hooper
Qantas Wallabies Rookie of the Year: Dane Haylett-Petty
Qantas 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 – Qantas Wallaby of the Year: Michael Hooper
Wallabies Hall of Fame: John ‘Jack’ Ford, John Solomon, Peter Johnson
Asteron Life Super Rugby Player of the Year: Sean McMahon, Melbourne Rebels
Asteron Life Super Rugby Team of the Year: Brumbies
Asteron Life Super Rugby Coach of the Year: Stephen Larkham, Brumbies
Asteron Life Super Rugby Rookie of the Year: Reece Hodge, Melbourne Rebels
Asteron Life 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 TNT Referee of the Series: Angus Gardner
Buildcorp National Rugby Championship Player of the Year: Irae Simone, Sydney Rays
Australian U20s Player of the Year: Tyrel Lomax
Shawn Mackay Award Qantas Men’s Sevens Player of the Year: Ed Jenkins
Shawn Mackay Award Qantas 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
HSBC Volunteer of the Year: Deon Norval, Uni Norths Owls Rugby Club, ACT
HSBC Lifetime Volunteer of the Year: Dougal Whitton, Canberra Royals Rugby Club, ACT
HSBC 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
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QANTAS WALLABIES NAME DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS FOR SPRING TOUR

QANTAS WALLABIES NAME DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS FOR SPRING TOUR

26/10/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19921492
 
 

QANTAS WALLABIES NAME DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS FOR SPRING TOUR

OCTOBER 26, 2016

Qantas Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named four development players to join the 32-man squad travelling to Europe for the Spring Tour.

Queensland Reds duo Izaia Perese and Taniela Tupou have been named alongside Waratahs pair Jack Dempsey and Andrew Kellaway, as Cheika has one eye on the future.

The four development players starred during the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship and will train with the squad as an introduction to the International level.

Perese, Dempsey and Kellaway are each eligible for Australia’s tour game against the French Barbarians in Bordeaux on November 24, while Tupou is 12 months away from completing his three-year residency requirement under World Rugby regulations.

The players will join the Qantas Wallabies squad this Friday, following Rugby’s night of nights, the John Eales Medal. Coverage of the award ceremony and the Gold carpet will be broadcast LIVE on rugby.com.au from 6.45pm, Thursday, 27 October.

Development players for 2016 Spring Tour

Jack Dempsey, New South Wales Waratahs, backrower, DOB: 12/04/94

Andrew Kellaway, New South Wales Waratahs, fullback, DOB: 12/10/95

Izaia Perese, Queensland Reds, winger, DOB: 17/05/97

Taniela Tupou, Queensland Reds, prop, DOB: 13/05/96

2016 Spring Tour (all dates/times AEDT)

Wales vs Qantas Wallabies at Millennium Stadium, 6th November 1.30am AEDT

Scotland vs Qantas Wallabies at Murrayfield, 13th November, 1.30am AEDT

France vs Qantas Wallabies at Stade de France, 20th November, 7.00am AEDT

French Barbarians vs Qantas Wallabies at Stade Chaban-Delmas, 25th November, Kickoff TBC

Ireland vs Qantas Wallabies at Aviva Stadium, 27th November, 4.30am AEDT

England vs Qantas Wallabies at Twickenham, 4th December, 1.30am AEDT

Please note: As of November, Adam Freier is now Head of Digital, and will no longer be managing Wallabies media. All requests should be directed to Chris Ford.
 
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QUADE COOPER INKS RETURN TO AUSTRALIAN RUGBY AND QUEENSLAND REDS

QUADE COOPER INKS RETURN TO AUSTRALIAN RUGBY AND QUEENSLAND REDS

01/09/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 19228281
 

QUADE COOPER INKS RETURN TO AUSTRALIAN RUGBY AND QUEENSLAND REDS

WALLABIES MEDIA UNIT

SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
Qantas Wallabies flyhalf Quade Cooper has officially put pen to paper on a new three-year contract, cementing his return to Australian Rugby after one season with French club Toulon.
 
Cooper’s new deal will carry him through until the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
 
The 28-year-old will also return to familiar surroundings at Ballymore, rejoining the Queensland Reds, where he played 105 Super Rugby matches from 2007 to 2015 and was a key player in the team’s title-winning 2011 campaign.
 
Cooper played 58 Tests for the Wallabies before heading to France, with his last appearance of that stretch coming in Australia’s 2015 Rugby World Cup pool match against Uruguay in Birmingham.
 
The veteran playmaker rejoined the Qantas Wallabies ahead of the 2016 Rugby Championship and ran on at flyhalf in last weekend’s second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington.
 
Cooper said playing international rugby was something he missed while overseas, and an opportunity that he would always cherish.
 
“For me, playing at the highest level for the Wallabies against the best teams in the world, week in, week out is the ultimate, and it will always be the pinnacle of our sport.
 
“Being back in Australia and having the opportunity to play for the Wallabies is something that drives me every day and being around my friends and family in Queensland is equally important for me.
 
“We have a good opportunity in the coming weeks to put some of the hard work we’ve done into action, and I know my teammates and I are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.

Qantas Wallabies Head Coach Michael Cheika said Cooper’s positive attitude around the group has already made an impact on the coaching staff and players.
 
“I am very pleased that Quade has decided to return to Australia to play his rugby. His return brings back his trademark flair and X factor but also, after his experience overseas, a wiser approach to the way he can lead the team around the field.
 
“I really believe he will make a big impact on the game both for Queensland and for the national team," said Cheika.
 
Cooper has featured in the Wallabies’ starting XV in 46 of his 59 Test appearances and has amassed 154 points since making his debut in 2008 against Italy in Padova.
 
Quade Cooper 
Position: Flyhalf
Height: 186cm 
Weight: 92kg 
DOB: 05/04/1988 (Auckland, NZ)
Super Rugby debut: 2007 v Crusaders, Christchurch
Super Rugby caps: 105 (all for Queensland Reds)
Super Rugby points: 770 (24T, 112C, 135PG, 7DG)
Test debut: 2008 v Italy, Padova
Test caps: 59
Test points: 154 (8T, 27C, 18PG, 2DG)
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GILL AND HOLMES GRANTED EARLY RELEASE

GILL AND HOLMES GRANTED EARLY RELEASE

13/08/2016, Australia, Rugby, Australian Rugby Union, Article # 18988190
 

GILL AND HOLMES GRANTED EARLY RELEASE 

WALLABIES MEDIA UNIT

AUGUST 13, 2016
The Australian Rugby Union has granted early releases to Liam Gill and Greg Holmes to take up new deals in Europe.
 
Gill and Holmes have been released with immediate effect from their existing Standard Player Contract with the ARU, after formally entering into contracts with Toulon RC and Exeter Chiefs during their contractual term.
 
Under Australian Rugby contracting rules, in which deals run until December 31, both players would still be required to participate in the Buildcorp NRC and Qantas Wallabies preparations.
 
The ARU has considered both individual situations and has allowed both players to exit their contracts to begin their European obligations.
 
Players and their agents are aware that all ARU contracts only allow for those who have provided seven years of consecutive service to be granted an early release after the third Bledisloe Cup match in a calendar year.
 
This year that match is in Auckland on October 22.

Australian Rugby Union General Manager of High Performance Ben Whitaker said the Agent Accreditation Board insist agents must not induce a breach by a player of the Standard Player Contract.

"It is disappointing to be put in a position to make a decision when players have signed two contracts within the same term by their agents,” said Whitaker.

"Therefore we really have no other choice but to release the players, as they have been put in a difficult situation where they have been mislead and misrepresented.

"If a contract runs until 31 December and any agent gets a player to sign a contract which commences on 1 August, he is forcing his client to breach his standard player contract.

"There’s a responsibility that agents represent the best interest of their clients, however any breach of Player Agent Regulations is putting players at risks of fines and sanctions, which is of great concern for the game.

"This decision has not been made lightly, however in this instance we've put the best interest of the players first."

Any standard player contract specifically prohibits players from contracting to play rugby for another club during the term of their contract. Under the Player Agent Regulations an agent must not procure a breach by a player of the Standard Player Contract.
 
Holmes played for the Wallabies against England in the last June Test in Sydney, while Liam Gill was part of Michael Cheika’s squad through the campaign.
 
A dual premiership winner with NRC club Brisbane City, Gill also captained the Reds in their final match of 2016  and was a runaway winner of the club’s Stan Pilecki Medal in 2015.
 
The pair were both part of Queensland’s winning 2011 Super Rugby campaign.

 
 
 
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