Tabua Tuinakauvadra, a talented back-rower for the Wallaroos, has celebrated a significant milestone in her burgeoning career by being named the Wallaroos Player of the Year. At just 22 years old, she has made history as both the youngest recipient of this esteemed award and the first player from the Brumbies to achieve this honor.
Tuinakauvadra returned to Australia after an impressive stint in Europe following the World Cup and expressed her astonishment at receiving such recognition. “Seeing the list, I thought Desi’s got this in the bag, so I was just there for a good time and to catch up with everyone,” she remarked, referring to fellow nominees Desi Miller and Cecilia Smith. The award feels surreal to her, marking a significant moment in her burgeoning career.
Over the past year, Tuinakauvadra has shown remarkable consistency, participating in all 11 matches for the Wallaroos in 2025, starting in nine and showcasing her skills particularly in the Pacific Four Series and O’Reilly Cup. Among her standout performances was a memorable two-try match against Wales in Sydney, which received widespread acclaim.
In the World Cup, Tuinakauvadra played crucial roles in initial matches against Samoa and the USA while also contributing significantly in games against England and Canada. Her recognition as the first back-rower to win the award since Grace Hamilton in 2019 reinforces her inspiring presence in the sport, as she aims to motivate the next generation of rugby stars and emphasizes that rugby is a realm for personal growth and challenges, regardless of age or experience.
The excitement of the event was further amplified by Georgina Friedrichs, who earned the title of Super Rugby Women’s Player of the Year after leading the Waratahs to back-to-back championships—she becomes the first Waratah since Shanice Parker in 2018 to receive the award.
As women’s rugby continues to grow in Australia, the celebration of young talents like Tuinakauvadra not only showcases individual accomplishments but also indicates a commitment to nurturing future stars in the sport. The ongoing efforts to enhance women’s rugby signal a promising future filled with potential and opportunities for aspiring female athletes.