25 Oct 2013

Hooper named Wallaby of the year

11:55 am on 25 October 2013

Flanker Michael Hooper has capped an impressive season by winning the John Eales Medal, voted the Wallabies' best player by his peers.

The 22-year-old Hooper collected the award in Sydney last night, making it five wins in 12 years by openside flankers - joining George Smith (2002 and 2008), Phil Waugh (2003) and David Pocock (2010).

Fullback Israel Folau claimed the rookie of the year award and was also third in the John Eales Medal count behind Hooper and Wycliff Palu despite not switching codes till after last year's Spring Tour which fell into the voting period.