Eales hailed Hooper as “an incredible pillar of consistency” for the Wallabies.
“In the history of rugby, there haven’t been many players as consistent as Michael Hooper,” Eales said in a statement.
Michael Hooper and referee Ben O’Keeffe.Credit:Getty
“His performances as a captain and as a player, week in week out, season in season out, set the perfect example for his team.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie marvelled at Hooper’s form midway through the 2021 season.
“His form has been incredible and you’ll see it time and time again,” Rennie said in September.
“The amount of collisions, his ability to link and his ability to show desperation and get back to make key tackles. He’s a fantastic example to the rest of the group. If you talk to players around the world, and rugby people all round the world, he’s hugely respected.”
List of John Eales Medal winners
2002: George Smith
2003: Phil Waugh
2004: David Lyons
2005: Jeremy Paul
2006: Chris Latham
2007: Nathan Sharpe
2008: George Smith
2009: Matt Giteau
2010: David Pocock
2011: Kurtley Beale
2012: Nathan Sharpe
2013: Michael Hooper
2014: Israel Folau
2015: Israel Folau
2016: Michael Hooper
2017: Israel Folau
2018: David Pocock
2019: Marika Koroibete
2020: Michael Hooper
2021: Michael Hooper
Hooper is not expected to return from leave, and a Lisfranc (foot) injury, until round five for the Waratahs.
Other winners in the 2021 Rugby Australia awards included James O’Connor (Super Rugby player of the year), Andrew Kellaway (rookie of the year), Marika Koroibete (try of the year), Henry Hutchison and Charlotte Caslick (sevens players of the year).
Hooper makes history by claiming fourth John Eales Medal
Source: Philippines Alive
