Exeter Chiefs’ new recruit claims illustrious top Wallabies gong ending Rob Valetini’s dominance
Wallabies midfielder Len Ikitau.
Len Ikitau has become the first centre to win the John Eales Medal after securing the prestigious prize at the Rugby Australia Awards, which was held in Sydney on Friday.
The 27-year-old wins the award after back-row star Rob Valetini walked off with John Eales Medals in 2023 and 2024.
Ikitau has shone for the Wallabies over the past 12 months and was crowned Australia’s best player ahead of fellow nominees Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson, with the trio unveiled as the finalists on the night.
Ikitau, who played his club rugby for the Brumbies at Super Rugby level since 2019, is currently on a short sabbatical in England with PREM Rugby outfit Exeter Chiefs and will make his debut for the Sandy Park-based club against Harlequins on Sunday.
“I think this is probably one of the best years that I’ve enjoyed in the Wallabies jersey,” said Ikitau. “In terms of the way we’ve been playing, the way that we want to play, it’s just been exciting.
‘I’ve enjoyed my time this year’
“Obviously, there’s been a few games where we’ve lost, but overall, I’ve enjoyed my time this year.”
Voted by the players after each Australian Test, Ikitau has been outstanding, initially at outside centre before switching to inside centre to accommodate the debut of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who was named Rookie of the Year.
Ikitau is a worthy John Eales Medalist, as his historical win is a fitting one, as he was one of the most consistent players in the international arena in 2025.
Amongst several highlights for the Wallabies was when he caught the eye in Australia’s famous comeback victory over England with his signature flick pass to put Max Jorgensen over for the Try of the Year.
“I think that game was kind of the turning point for us,” said Ikitau.
“We were coming off pretty much a poor Rugby Championship, and we wanted to start fast.
“That was a crazy game to be a part of. Then we just built some momentum off the back of that.”
Due to his stint with Exeter, Ikitau will miss the Tests against Japan and likely England under World Rugby’s regulation nine laws, before returning to action for the clashes with Italy, France and Ireland.
In further awards on the night, Western Force back-row Carlo Tizzano was named the Super Rugby Player of the Year, becoming the first player from the Perth-based outfit to win the award.
It came off the back of a season that saw Tizzano break the tournament record for most tries by a forward.
Meanwhile, Sevens and Australia U20s pair Sid Harvey and Aden Ekanayake took out Junior Men’s Player of the Year.
They shared the honours after shining on the SVNS circuit, before helping the Australia U20s to a sixth-place finish at the World Championship.
Previous John Eales Medal winners
2024: Rob Valetini
2023: Rob Valetini
2022: Marika Koroibete
2021: Michael Hooper
2020: Michael Hooper
2019: Marika Koroibete
2018: David Pocock
2017: Israel Folau
2016: Michael Hooper
2015: Israel Folau
2014: Israel Folau
2013: Michael Hooper
2012: Nathan Sharpe
2011: Kurtley Beale
2010: David Pocock
2009: Matt Giteau
2008: George Smith
2007: Nathan Sharpe
2006: Chris Latham
2005: Jeremy Paul
2004: David Lyons
2003: Phil Waugh
2002: George Smith
READ MORE: Exeter Chiefs boss’ coy reply on Wallabies recruits PREM debuts as newbie ‘rocked up ready to go’
