Rugby Australia are delighted to announce Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies winger Andrew Kellaway has been named the 2021 Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year.
The Rookie of the Year is awarded to the person who is deemed to have been the most outstanding player in Australia in the last 12 months having made their debut for either the Wallabies, Wallaroos or Australian Sevens teams on or since the opening game of the respective season.
Kellaway’s recognition is part of a week-long celebration of the Rugby Australia Awards which will culminate in the 2021 John Eales Medal being announce on Sunday morning (AEDT).
Kellaway, 26, had a breakout season in Wallaby gold, making his international debut in the opening match of the victorious France Series in July, going on to be selected by coach Dave Rennie in all but one of the 15 Wallabies Tests in 2021.
Playing across the back three, Kellaway scored nine tries in 13 matches in 2021 and finished as the leading try scorer in The Rugby Championship.
A former Junior Wallabies captain, Kellaway returned to Australia last year and linked back up with the Melbourne Rebels having spent time in both the UK and in Japan.
Such was Kellaway’s arrival on the international scene, he was a finalist in the 2021 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.
Composure and the ability to find the try line were hallmarks of his debut international season with Wallabies coaches and supporters alike set to keep a keen eye on the Rebels back throughout the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season.
The other nominees for the 2021 Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year were, Tia Hinds (Australian Women’s Sevens), Len Ikitau (Wallabies), Samu Kerevi (Australian Men’s Sevens) and Jade Te Aute (Melbourne Rebels – Super W).
2021 Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year, Andrew Kellaway said: “I’m extremely humbled and excited to be awarded the Rookie of the Year for 2021.”
“Rugby isn’t about individual awards, but I’m certainly honoured to be recognised for my achievements and would like to thank those who have supported me so far in my career.
“While I loved every minute of being involved in the Wallabies set up last year, I know nothing’s ever guaranteed and I’ll be working hard this year to make sure I do everything I can to put myself in a position to represent my country again in 2022.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: “This award is great recognition for Andrew’s outstanding debut Test season last year.”
"He has a strong all-round skillset and a genuine ability to beat defenders which made him an integral part of our starting XV throughout 2021.
“Andrew's had a unique journey to the Wallaby jersey and his experience and maturity has allowed him grab his opportunity at Test level with both hands."
Rugby Australia also announced the 2021 Try of the Year with winger Marika Koroibete taking out the award for his try against South Africa in Brisbane which was set up with a no-look offload from Taniela Tupou.
