Nathan Sharpe has won the 2011 Rugby Union Players’ Association ‘Medal for Excellence’, after edging out fellow Wallaby and Emirates Western Force teammate David Pocock in voting revealed at today’s RUPA Awards Lunch at the Ivy in Sydney.
Sharpe’s third Medal for Excellence caps off a truly sensational year for Sharpe that saw him register his 100th national cap when the Wallabies defeated Wales in the Rugby World Cup play-off in October. Having won the award in 2002 and 2005, Sharpe now joins George Gregan as the only other player to have won the prestigious players’ player award three times, since its inception in 2001.
Having compiled votes from all 2011 Super Rugby players’ acknowledging efforts both on and off the field, Sharpe ‘s 96 votes were enough to hold off the 2010 winner of the Medal, David Pocock, who finished second with 90 votes.
The RUPA Medal for Excellence is the only national Super Rugby and Wallaby players’ player award and was one of four awards presented today.
Reds’ Rookie Ben Tapuai capped off a dream year – adding the 2011 RUPA Newcomer of the Year award to a trophy cabinet that includes a Super Rugby title and his first Wallaby cap just under two weeks ago.
The 2011 Community Service Award was most deservedly awarded to Pocock, who’s other Force teammate, Matt Hodgson, was awarded the inaugural Academic Achievement Award. Both players have invested significantly in their off field development in 2011, despite a hectic rugby schedule with both travelling to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup.