22-year-old Tabua Tuinakauvadra Becomes Youngest Wallaroos Player of the Year

WALLAROOS back-rower Tabua Tuinakauvadra has garnered her first Wallaroos Player of the Year honor, achieving this feat at the young age of 22. In doing so, she sets a record as the youngest recipient of the award and marks the first victory for a player from the Brumbies.

Tuinakauvadra received the award following an impressive year in the gold jersey, where she participated in all 11 matches for Australia, starting nine. Her performances notably included standout games against Wales, where she scored two tries, and key contributions throughout the Pacific Four Series and the O’Reilly Cup.

Feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement, Tuinakauvadra reflected on her selection, humorously acknowledging that she thought fellow nominee Deisree Miller was likely to take the award. “To be able to be recognized and to be able to get the award in another sense definitely doesn’t feel real right now,” she expressed.

The young star from Orange managed to shine brightly during a pivotal year, despite returning from Europe just this week after the World Cup. Her consistent play and leadership on the field earned her this recognition, as she aims to inspire the next generation of rugby players.

“Rugby is the perfect space where you can do that,” Tuinakauvadra said, urging others, regardless of their background or skill level, to pursue the sport. Her sentiments echo the increasing support for women’s rugby, with visible growth and interest in the sport amplifying opportunities for young athletes.

Further recognition on the award night included Georgina Friedrichs being named Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year after playing a crucial role in leading the Waratahs to back-to-back titles. This acknowledgment of talent within rugby not only honors individual athletes but also heralds a promising future for women’s rugby in Australia, emphasizing the collective effort toward further development and success in women’s sports.

With emerging talents like Tuinakauvadra and Friedrichs marking their names in the annals of rugby history, the landscape for women’s rugby in Australia is indeed bright, fostering optimism for upcoming generations.