Gregan collects third award

[Darren]

Jim Tucker
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...-10389,00.html

WALLABY stalwart George Gregan was awarded the Rugby Medal of Excellence by fellow players for the third time yesterday to recognise his all-round contribution to the code.
Rugby Union Players' Association members from Australia's four Super 14 squads voted Gregan the 2006 standout on the basis of performance, leadership, consistency and discipline plus contribution to charitable work and development of the game.

Gregan's ascent to a world-record 127 Test caps in 2006, including an Australian record 58 as captain, was a statistical peak for his career.

Off the field, he and wife Erica have raised more than a $1 million through the George Gregan Foundation to fund specialised outdoor playgrounds such as the one to be completed at Brisbane's Royal Children's Hospital next year.

Gregan is also a national patron of children's charity Brainwave.

Queensland Reds flyhalf Berrick Barnes was named winner of the inaugural Best Newcomer of the Year Award at yesterday's RUPA charity luncheon in Sydney.

It was a significant nod of approval for his talents because the judges from the RUPA executive committee include Rod Kafer, Nathan Sharpe, Al Baxter, Jeremy Paul, David Croft and Clyde Rathbone.

[Mtbeaver]

cool