Rugby Union SA Celebrates Community, Excellence and Diversity at Annual Awards
Rugby Union SA’s Annual Awards were held on Wednesday, 3 September, bringing together players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and administrators to celebrate the achievements and spirit of rugby in South Australia.
The evening was a true reflection of the inclusive and diverse rugby community that thrives across the state – from women’s competitions to junior development, wheelchair rugby, and cultural representation.
Major presentations included:
- Kim Evans Cup (Women’s Minor Premiers): Southern Suburbs
- Tamaki Cup (Premier Grade Minor Premiers): Old Collegians
On the individual stage, Victoria Cousins (Woodville) capped off an outstanding year, taking home the Edna Reilly Medal for Best & Fairest Female Player, while also being named Best Female Forward. Jade Pilkington (Onkaparinga) earned recognition as Best Female Back.
In the Premier Grade, Keanu Eliepa (Burnside) was a standout, being awarded both Best Male Back and the prestigious Don Smith Medal for Best & Fairest Male Player, edging out teammate Hasler Monda, who was named Best Male Forward.
The night also shone a spotlight on the backbone of the game – its volunteers. In closing the evening, Rugby Union SA President David Pyper highlighted their irreplaceable contribution: “Rugby is more than just a game. It’s the people. The community. The shared effort. The long hours and little wins that add up to something truly special. So tonight, on behalf of every player, parent, and supporter – thank you. For everything you do, seen and unseen. Here’s to community rugby – strong, united, and full of heart.”
FULL LIST OF ALL WINNERS:
- Kim Evans Cup Minor Premiers, Womens Competition: Southern Suburbs
- Tamaki Cup Minor Premiers, Premier Grade: Old Collegians
- Coopers Club Champion: Old Collegians
- Volunteer of the Year: Sarah Batzavalis, Southern Suburbs
- Darryl Ryan Best Grounds and Facilities: Southern Suburbs
- HJ Rogers Administrative Services: Jodie Garden, Port Adelaide
- Lee Fata Highest Try Scoring Womens Team: Southern Suburbs
- Bob Hogarth Highest Try Scoring Mens Team: Brighton Gold Third Grade
- Wheelchair Rugby Player of the Year: Tai Martin-Page
- Wheelchair Rugby Club Person of the Year: Andy Phillips
- Neil Charter Junior Development: Port Adelaide Juniors
- Ray Rosser Coach of the Year: Dylan Purcell, Uni-Bulls
- U18 Best Tackler: Zac Seaton, Barossa
- Meredith Knowler Womens Tackling Trophy: Grace Fitzsimmons, Onkaparinga
- Sir Norman Jude Mens Tackler: Lee Hunter, Brighton
- Junior Maualaivao U18 Best & Fairest: Logan Addison-Black, Onkaparinga
- Eva Karpani U21 Best & Fairest Female: Jet Verwey, Burnside
- Ray Herde U21 Best & Fairest Male: Carl Arnold, Old Collegians
- Best Female Forward: Victoria Cousins, Woodville
- Best Female Back: Jade Pilkington, Onkaparinga
- Edna Reilly Best & Fairest Female: Victoria Cousins, Woodville
- Best Male Forward: Hasler Monda, Burnside
- Best Male Back: Keanu Eliepa, Burnside
- Don Smith Best & Fairest Male: Keanu Eliepa, Burnside
Referee Awards
- Quentin Fleischfresser Outstanding Junior Referee: Ethan Hoskin
- Life Members Most Improved Referee: Daniel McDowell
- Referee Encouragement Award: Patricia Rudzki
- Outstanding Contribution to Referees: Caitlin Dinning
