Australian Wallabies star fullback Israel Folau was awarded the prestigious John Eales Medal at an Australian Rugby Awards ceremony in Sydney, on Friday October 27. The annual award recognises the best Rugby Union players in Australia. The 28-year-old was the top try-scorer for this year’s 2017 Rugby Championship, scoring five tries in six games.

It is the third time for Israel Folau to win the John Eales Medal, setting a record for being the first player to win the award three times (2014, 2015, 2017). The award is based on votes made by current Wallaby players. Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper took the “fan's choice Wallaby of the Year” whilst Tongan-born Melbourne Rebel’s Number 8, Amanaki Mafi, won Super Rugby Player of the Year.

Israel Folau’s award reflects a more than impressive career resume. Israel Folau started playing professional Rugby League at the age of 17 for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. At 18, he became the youngest player to play for the Australia National Rugby League team. In 2013, he switched to Rugby Union, playing for the NSW Waratahs in the Super Rugby Competition and in that very same year played for the Wallabies.