Gregan in line for 4th Rugby Medal
Gregan in line for 4th Rugby Medal
Story by Sportal for the ARU
Friday, December 07, 2007 - 11:43 AM (AEST)
Being awarded a record fourth Rugby Medal for Excellence would cap off what has been an extraordinary career for George Gregan, one of the most revered and rewarded players in the history of Australian rugby.
Gregan’s consistent performances for the Wallabies throughout 2007, coupled with his often unheralded work as a brilliant rugby ambassador in many corners of the community, ensured his nomination for this year’s Rugby Medal for Excellence.
Other contenders for this year’s medal are George Smith, Nathan Sharpe and David Croft, with the winner to be announced at the 9th Annual Investec Rugby Players Association Christmas Luncheon on Friday 14 December.
The Rugby Medal for Excellence is a true ‘players’ player’ award, with all 132 Super 14 players - as RUPA members - eligible to vote annually on a 3-2-1 basis.
Each player is asked to vote for a fellow player who they believed excelled on and off the field in 2007 in areas of performance, leadership, consistency and discipline plus their contribution to charitable work, vocational skills and their commitment to the development of the game.
While Gregan is vying for his fourth award, Sharpe is in line for his third, while Smith and Croft are looking to pick up their first medal.
This year marked a number of significant achievements for Gregan, not the least of which was his continued ability to hold onto the prized Australian number 9 jersey. He also played a key role for the Wallabies in his fourth consecutive World Cup, before hanging up his international boots with a record 139 appearances. Gregan also played his 136th and final game with his beloved Brumbies.
The George Gregan Foundation continues to make its mark as a fundraiser for projects targeting children with epilepsy and neurological illnesses. One of the projects it is financing is a series of playgrounds in hospitals that are specially designed to provide both medical benefits and also help reduce anxiety in children undergoing treatment.
Sharpe led from the front as skipper of the improving Western Force outfit, while another playing milestone was achieved in Johannesburg this year when he was awarded his 50th Wallabies cap. Off the field, Nathan is involved with Ronald McDonald House, while also trying to fit in a combination of study and work experience.
Apart from shaving off his well- recognised locks for charity, Smith continued his outstanding work as an ambassador for the St Vincent de Paul Youth Reach.
He also gained plenty of attention in 2007 for his on-field accomplishments, winning his second consecutive Australian Super 14 Player of the Series Award and fifth Brumbies Players’ Player trophy.
Smith captained the Wallabies to a convincing win over Canada in the World Cup, and also led the Brumbies on six occasion’s in2007.
Croft’s reliability and experience were rewarded in 2007 with a place in the Wallabies World Cup squad, while his Super 14 performances were recognised by his peers when he collected the Queensland Players’ Player award, the Pilecki Medal.
Away from the game, Croft visited the Philippines this year as part of his work with the Anglican Border Mission Water Appeal. He is working on a program aimed at improving the flow of fresh water to local villages.
RUPA Chief Executive, Mr Tony Dempsey, said the Medal for Excellence continues to build upon its history and reputation as one most prestigious awards in Australian rugby.
“In many ways, the Medal is unique in that it recognises that sportspeople should have a broader responsibility to the community than just playing sport,” he said. “The unique position held by professional athletes allows them to make significant contributions to many areas of society, and this is being increasingly recognised across the rugby community”.
“Of course, the Medal for Excellence also requires the winner to make his mark on the playing field, and I think all of our nominees this year have consistently contributed to the various teams they have represented.
“Next week’s announcement of the winner will cap off what has been a busy and eventful period for the game of rugby in Australia,” Dempsey said. “RUPA looks forward to finishing 2007 on a high note as we recognise the achievements of our leading players.”
The luncheon will also see RUPA announce the winner of the Best Newcomer of the Year Award.
Past winners of the RUPA Medal for Excellence are:
2001 - George Gregan
2002 - Nathan Sharpe
2003 - Brendan Cannon
2004 - George Gregan
2005 - Nathan Sharpe
2006 – George Gregan
