RUPA Celebrates the 2025 BDO Rugby Players Lunch and Announces Award Winners
The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 RUPA Awards, unveiled at the Annual BDO Rugby Players Lunch, at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.
This year’s lunch, welcomed over 460 attendees, with various past and present players, RUPA partners, industry leaders and supporters from across the Australian rugby community. RUPA extends special thanks to BDO, our long-standing major partner, whose continued support ensures this celebration of player development and achievement remains a highlight on the rugby calendar.
Thanks also goes to RUPA’s valued partners, Taylors Wine and Lion Beverages for supporting the event and ensuring the Lunch was a triumph in celebrating the heart of Rugby, it’s people. Additionally, special thanks to Wallaby 782, Morgan Turinui, for being an outstanding MC at this hallmark event each year.
The 2025 award winners reflect the excellence of players across the game:
BDO MEN’S MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE
Winner: Allan Alaalatoa
Wallabies and Brumbies leader, Allan Alaalatoa, has earned Australian rugby’s highest player-voted honour for the second time since 2022, recognised for his outstanding consistency, humility, and strong leadership on and off the field. His influence continues to shape the next generation of Australian players.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Tom Hooper
- Langi Gleeson
- Harry Wilson
- Triston Reilly
- Filipo Daugunu
- Tom Robertson
- Harry Potter
BUILDCORP WOMEN’S MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE
Winner: Siokapesi Palu
Brumbies and Wallaroos captain, Siokapesi Palu, caps off a remarkable year with the game’s top honour. A standout performer and influential leader, she continues to set the standard in both performance and professionalism within the women’s game, on and off the field.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Tabua Tuinakauvadra
- Faliki Pohiva
- Anneka Stephens
- Trilleen Pomare
- Georgina Friedrichs
- Eva Karpani
- Shalom Sauaso
ROBERT WALTERS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Tatum Bird
Waratahs halfback Tatum Bird is celebrated for her dedication to further study while competing at the elite level. Tatum holds a Bachelor of Communications and a Bachelor of Law. Tatum’s commitment to balancing professional rugby with academic excellence highlights her strong work ethic and ability to create advantages off the field.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Nicole Ledington
- Josh Nasser
- Corey Toole
- Hugh Sinclair
- Nick Champion de Crespigny
- Liam Wright
- Rory Scott
LION COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Winner: Jeremy Williams
Western Force captain and Wallabies lock Jeremy Williams is acknowledged for his meaningful community engagement and leadership. Jeremy has shown commitment to Rio’s Legacy, a charity dedicated to supporting children’s hospices and families navigating loss. His involvement goes far beyond symbolic gestures as he actively uses his platform as a professional rugby player to raise awareness and funds for essential resources. Jeremy has been an ambassador for the charity since it started in 2018 and has a close connection to the founder Ryan Fowler who was his teacher at Scots College.
Jeremy says:
“Visiting Bear Cottage with the Fowler family allowed me to witness firsthand the hospice in action, caring for families facing the immense challenge of living with a terminally ill child. This fuels my passion for Rio's Legacy, aiming to provide essential care and a second home for these families in need.”
- Jeremy Williams
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Fergus Lee Warner
- Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
- Tom Hooper
- Luke Reimer
- Brittany Merlo
- Ollie Sapsford
- Jack Debreczeni
CITATION LEGAL NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dre Pakeho
At just 19, Dre signed a two-year deal with the Reds after emerging through the Buildcorp Reds Academy and impressing for Brothers in the Hospital Cup. His rapid ascent continued when he made his debut at Suncorp Stadium against Wales, a milestone he described as an unforgettable, surreal moment shared with his large Brisbane-based family. His calmness under pressure and maturity on the field have stood out against international and Super Rugby opposition.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Lachlan Shaw
- Mackenzie Davis
- Jamie Adamson
- Manu’a Moleka
- Seneti Kilisimasi
- Aden Ekanayake
- Albert Alcock
- Ngamihi Monk
INAUGURAL VOCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Connor Vest
Introduced for the first time, the award highlights players pursuing meaningful vocational and industry-based development. Presented by RUPA’s Chairman, Campbell Fisher, the award recognises alternate pathways in career training and development as well as seeking opportunities to develop professional skills for life. Reds lock Connor Vest is recognised for his commitment to building a career outside rugby through hands-on training and long-term planning. Connor began his carpentry training before turning professional in rugby, completing a Certificate III through TAFE NSW and gaining hands-on experience across building sites. He’s remained committed to his trade throughout his playing career and is now the owner and director of his own construction company.
As Owner and Director of VestBuilt, he has taken on the responsibility of managing projects, building client relationships, and establishing a brand presence. His entrepreneurial initiative demonstrates a clear vision for life beyond rugby and a proactive approach to career development.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Dylan Pietsch
- Lawson Creighton
- Gabrielle Petersen
- Trilleen Pomare
- Bree-Anna Browne
- Jack Debreczeni
INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented by Wallaby 814 and RUPA Board Director, Benn Robinson, This award recognises a player who exemplifies exceptional leadership. They are an inspiring figure, consistently demonstrating integrity, mentorship, and a deep commitment to rugby's values of humility, teamwork, adaptability, and respect. This individual is crucial in fostering team cohesion and contributing to success, leading by example in competition and supporting their peers off the field, they truly embody the spirit of rugby leadership.
Winner: James Slipper
James Slipper’s recognition as the 2025 RUPA Leadership Award winner cements his place as a true cornerstone of Australian rugby leadership. Over a storied 16-year career, James has become Australia’s most capped Test player, achieving the milestone of 150 Test caps with the Wallabies, a record that underscores his durability and commitment.
James’ journey has been defined by continuous growth and adaptation. After beginning his Test career in 2010 as a 21-year-old, he later captained Australia in multiple matches, first leading the side in 2015, and went on to make 15 appearances as captain. His leadership devolved further when he moved to the ACT Brumbies in 2019.
INAUGURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
Winner: Siokapesi Palu
Siokapesi Palu has been honoured with the joint 2025 RUPA Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding influence in Australian women’s rugby. As captain of the Wallaroos, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership both on and off the field.
Pesi has emerged as a trusted figure within the Wallaroos program, consistently uplifting teammates, driving standards and advocating for growth across the women’s game. Off the field, her leadership extends to her role as a school educator in Canberra.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Harry Wilson
- Emily Chancellor
- Darcy Swain
- Anneka Stephens
- Lori Cramer
TAYLORS WINE WOMEN’S RUGBY SEVENS PLAYERS’ PLAYER AWARD
Winners: Faith Nathan & Mackenzie Davis
In a fitting reflection of team unity, both Faith Nathan and Mackenzie Davis were voted by teammates as the standout performers in the Australian Women’s Sevens squad.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Maddison Levi
- Kahli Henwood
- Sariah Paki
- Isabella Nasser
GALLAGHER MEN’S RUGBY SEVENS PLAYERS’ PLAYER AWARD
Winner: James Turner
Men’s Sevens star James Turner earns top honours from his peers after a season showcasing elite athleticism, consistency and leadership. His ability to perform under pressure has solidified his role as a key figure in the squad.
Congratulations to the finalists:
- Matthew Gonzalez
- Henry Hutchison
- Aden Ekanayake
- Maurice Longbottom
- Jayden Blake
