Western Force and Wallabies inspiration, Matt Hodgson was named as this year’s Volvo People’s Choice after receiving a huge majority of rugby supporters’ votes.
In the polling, 444 fans selected Hodgson, each explaining, in 25 words or less, why they felt he best demonstrates the spirit of rugby in Australia. The figure was a whopping 285 points ahead of second placed, Israel Folau, on 159, and Michael Hooper in third place on 145.
As someone who cherishes ever opportunity on and off the field, Hodgson became the first player to reach the 100 game milestone for the Western Force in 2014. The stalwart leader started in every match for the Force, which included three man-of-the-match performances and six tries. He finished atop the 2014 Super Rugby player rankings with the highest amount of tackles (234) in the tournament.
Hodgson has continued to show strength and character as the Force Captain in season that was capped off when he was named the winner of the Western Force Players’ Player for the third time. He also received his first call up to the Wallabies in four years, and handed the chance to lead the Men in Gold in their opening Spring Tour match, in what was a thrilling 40-36 win over the Barbarians at Twickenham.
Open to the public in early November this year, The Volvo People’s Choice Award allows Australian rugby supporters to vote for and describe, in 25 words or less, the player they believe best demonstrates the spirit of rugby in Australia through teamwork, passion, leadership and performance.
This year, thanks to RUPA partner, Volvo, the winning entrant received two VIP passes to the Sydney 500 for a money-can’t buy Volvo V8 Supercars experience.
The nine other nominees for the 2014 Volvo People’s Choice are listed below.
Michael Hooper
Michael Hooper has once again proven his worth, helping to lead both the Waratahs and the Men in Gold this season. He played an integral part in the NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Championship campaign, with his efforts recognised by his peers once again after winning Waratahs' Players' Player for the second year running.
Israel Folau
Israel Folau made a huge impact this year, sitting first on the overall 2014 Super Rugby player rankings for most tries and second in clean breaks and metres. At the conclusion of round 19, he became the first player ever to top both the NRL & Super 15 regular season try-scorers list. Israel was also named this year’s John Eales Medallist after playing in every Test for the Men in Gold.
Adam Ashley-Cooper
The man known as Mr Reliable had a stellar year of rugby at the domestic and international level. In 2014 not only did he earn his 100th Test cap, he also reached equal third on the all-time top Australian try-scorers list, and tied with David Campese as the highest Aussie try-scorer against the All Blacks.
Bernard Foley
In 2014 Bernard Foley was given the nickname, the “Iceman”, due to his game-saving kicking during more than one high pressure situation. His most memorable the kick that helped seal the NSW Waratahs Super Rugby Final victory. Bernard finished this year’s Super Rugby with the most amount of points overall and the Rugby Championship with the second highest.
James Slipper
James Slipper has redefined the role of the modern day Prop in 2014, winning three accolades at the Reds Rugby Gala Ball, including Players’ Player Pilecki Medal, People’s Choice and Spirit of the Reds. James was also named one of two Wallabies Vice Captains in June shortly after earning his 50th Test cap.
Matt Toomua
Matt Toomua played in every single match for the Brumbies during their 2014 Super Rugby campaign, was the third highest try-scorer in the tournament, crossing for seven tries, and won the title of Best Back at the Brumbies' end of season awards. Recognised as one of the toughest blokes running round Australian Rugby, Toomua continued to show his powerful ball carrying and defensive skills when called up again to the Wallabies this year.
Scott Fardy
Scott Fardy is not one to give up on his Australian rugby dream, proving, at 30 years of age, in his second year as a Test player his ongoing worth as a strong ball runner and leader in the Brumbies and Gold jersey. Ahead of the this year’s Spring Tour Scott had started in all but one Test for Australia with his perseverance on the field setting a fine example and highlighting his success at both the provincial & international level.
Scott Higginbotham
Scott Higginbotham has continued to flourish as Captain of a young Melbourne Rebels side, leading by example both on and off the field. Higginbotham is amongst the top-scoring forwards in Super Rugby history, adding a further four tries to his record this year, and winning the 2014 Super Rugby Try of the Year at the John Eales Medal.
Ben McCalman
Ben McCalman has shown some of his career best form in 2014 with consistent performances for the Western Force and in the Gold jersey. After claiming the No.8 jersey as his own, Ben was one of the Wallabies’ most consistent this season, which was recognised in a number of Man of the Match performances. The landmark moment for 'the Wolfman' came when he took out the 'Geoffrey Stooke' Award at the Western Force end of season event, in recognition of a superb season both on and off the field.
