We're pleased to announce the five finalists to win the 2019 Academic Achievement Award, presented by RUPA's partner Open Universities Australia, with the winner to be announced at the BDO Rugby Players Lunch next Wednesday, December 11.
Allan Alaalatoa, Blake Enever, Josh Mann-Rea (all Brumbies), Alex Newsome and Angus Scott-Young have been shortlisted for the Award, which is presented annually to the player who has undertaken and excelled in any level of education.
Rather than acknowledging a ‘Dux of Class’, the Academic Achievement Award reflects the players’ dedication and commitment to his or her personal or professional development across a broad range of studies and is not confined to university level education.
Allan Alaalatoa
Brumbies and Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa continues to excel academically alongside his Rugby achievements, as he nears the completion of his Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice through Griffith University and Open Universities Australia.
Allan’s continual commitment to maintaining units in each study period as opposed to deferring when his Rugby commitments increase should be applauded, especially in a Rugby World Cup year, with this approach seeing him just three units short of completing his degree.
Blake Enever
Brumbies lock Blake Enever is studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Health and Physical Education) through the University of Southern Queensland. This study requires him to complete lengthy practical components in schools of between two and four weeks, which Blake has balanced around his professional playing and training commitments.
Blake has managed to navigate this whilst also adjusting to the change presented by welcoming the arrival of his first child in 2019.
Josh Mann-Rea
Brumbies and Wallabies hooker Josh Mann-Rea took a number of steps throughout his final year as a professional athlete to aid with transitioning out of a playing career. While not previously being a player who prioritised study and off-field learning, his impending retirement encouraged him to work on obtaining qualifications and knowledge directly relevant to his intended pathway post-playing Rugby.
Pursuing what’s relevant to him, among Josh’s completed education this year was his Heavy Rigid Vehicle Licence, Lifetime Ewe Management course, and Level Two Rugby Coaching Accreditation.
Alex Newsome
This year saw 24-year-old NSW Waratahs outside back Alex Newsome complete his Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Management) through the University of Sydney, a fine reward for the former Western Force player who has consistently worked towards preparing his dual career during his three years as a professional athlete.
In addition to completing his university degree, Alex proactively engages in work experience and is planning his next steps in graduate studies.
Angus Scott-Young
22-year-old Queensland Reds backrower Angus Scott-Young completed his Bachelor of Commerce/Science, studied through the University of Queensland, at the end of Semester 1 2019. Angus has been balancing a full-time Rugby career with a full-time study workload of eight subjects per year and was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence in 2019.
His remarkable commitment to his study has also coincided with his biggest season of Super Rugby and, impressively, he will look to begin his Master of Medicine in the near future.
Finalists for the Academic Achievement award are put forward by the RUPA Player Development Managers, and the winner is decided by RUPA Chairman Bruce Hodgkinson AM SC, RUPA President Damien Fitzpatrick and RUPA Chief Executive Officer Justin Harrison.
The Academic Achievement award was first presented in 2011. Its’ previous winners are Sam Carter (2018), Ben Daley (2015), James Dargaville (2017), Matt Hodgson (2011), Tom Kingston (2013), Pat McCabe (2012), Alicia Quirk (2016) and Jeremy Tilse (2014).
The RUPA Academic Achievement award is one of eight major awards presented at the BDO Rugby Players Lunch. To view finalists in other categories, please click on the following links:
Australian Men’s Rugby Sevens Players’ Player of the Year
