The players have voted and we're pleased to announce the five finalists for the 2019 RUPA Newcomer of the Year.
This year's finalists include three backrowers, in Brumbies duo Jahrome Brown and Rob Valetini, as well as NSW Waratahs flanker Lachlan Swinton, alongside Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens youngster Lily Dick and Queensland Reds playmaker Isaac Lucas.
Jahrome Brown (Brumbies)
New Zealand-born backrower Jahrome Brown made his Super Rugby debut in Round Six, securing a spot in the matchday 23 following his patience and persistence in what was a very competitive squad.
He made 13 appearances, scoring one try and re-signing for a further two years in the nation’s capital, a fine reward for working hard to present the best of himself on and off the field with the Brumbies.
Lily Dick (Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens)
Lily Dick made her Word Rugby Sevens series debut in Canada as an eighteen-year-old high school student in the 2017-18 season, and then cemented her spot in the 2018-19 season, selected for all six tournaments including her maiden Sydney Sevens.
The Currumbin product is a dynamic athlete and she’s on track to play at her maiden Olympic Games in 2020 once she completes her rehab from a broken foot. Lily is just the second female player to be voted into the top five in the history of this Award - a fantastic achievement.
Isaac Lucas (Queensland Reds)
20-year-old utility Isaac Lucas became the fourth and final Lucas brother to play professional Rugby this year, breaking through for 8 Super Rugby appearances. Lucas balanced his Super Rugby debut with being a pivotal member of the Junior Wallabies side which featured as runners up at the U20 Rugby World Cup.
Equally capable at flyhalf, centre or fullback Isaac showed his durability in playing every minute of Brisbane City’s NRC campaign.
Lachlan Swinton (NSW Waratahs)
22-year-old backrower Lachlan Swinton made his Super Rugby debut in Round One of 2019, and went on to make a total of 13 appearances (including six starts) after spending the previous year developing his with Sydney University in the Shute Shield, and in the NRC with the Sydney Rays, while adjusting to professional Rugby.
Physical and abrasive, Swinton’s revels in the physicality of Rugby and has been rewarded with a contract extension for the next three seasons.
Rob Valetini (Brumbies)
At 21-years-old, backrower Rob Valetini headed into his third Super Rugby season at the Brumbies with just three caps to his name after a serious knee injury brought his 2018 campaign to a premature end.
Not only did Rob navigate a successful return to play this year, he played 10 times for the Brumbies and scored his maiden Super Rugby try. Rob became Wallaby cap number 929 when he made his debut against Samoa this year, fine recognition of his maturity and professionalism as a Rugby player and young man.
The Newcomer of the Year award was first presented in 2006. To be eligible, finalists must have played no more than 6 Super Rugby games or 2 World Rugby Sevens series events in the year prior to when they are nominated.
Its previous winners are Berrick Barnes (2006), Folau Fainga’a (2018), Israel Folau (2013), Reece Hodge (2016), Marika Koroibete (2017), Ben Lucas (2008), Pat McCabe (2010), Sean McMahon (2014), Sefanaia Naivalu (2015), David Pocock (2007), Ben Tapuai (2011), Joe Tomane (2012) and Laurie Weeks (2009).
The RUPA Newcomer of the Year 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
Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens Players’ Player of the Year
