Queensland Reds grab all major Australian Super Rugby annual awards
Queensland Reds, who occupy the top ladder position on the overall 2011 Super Rugby points table, grabbed all major Australian Super Rugby awards on June 23 that were held in Sydney.
The Reds were successful in acquiring all awards in a repeat of their performance from last year. Will Genia achieved the big award, Player of the Year, for the Reds. He snatched the title from his team-mate Quade Cooper, who was declared Super Rugby Player
of the Year during last year’s ceremony.
Ewen McKenzie, the coach of the Reds, claimed Coach of the Year for his team. This was his fourth in his career and first for the Reds as he had already won this title for the Waratahs in 2005, 2006 and 2008. McKenzie overtook the title from Waratahs coach
Chris Hickey, who won the same award in 2009 and 2010.
The Queensland Reds also secured the Team of the Year award for their unmatchable performance in the current Super Rugby championship. The derby remained impressive throughout the season and ended up as the best team of the Super Rugby regular season after
the completion of the round matches. They won 13 round matches after 16 outgoings in the entire season.
Among the other awards given away, Nick Phipps of the Melbourne Rebels received the Rookie of the Year award. Stuart Dickinson, who made a controversial decision during Reds and Crusaders clash, was handed over the Referee of the Year award.
The top management of the Reds was delighted with the achievements of their players and officials. Australian Rugby Union Managing Director and CEO, John O’Neill AO, also commended the Reds squad. Talking to media after the ceremony, O’Neil said that, “The
2011 Super Rugby season has been exciting and transforming and I want to congratulate all of the 2011 Australian Super Rugby award winners for their contribution to the expanded competition this year.”
He also praised the Waratahs, for making their place in the play-offs along with the Reds. John O’Neil hoped that both the Australian derbies, which are now the centre of attention for all Australians, will do their best to win the Super Rugby championship.
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