The ACT Brumbies recognised the best of the best from the 2026 season at the club's Annual Awards Night at Hotel Realm on Wednesday night, with Rob Valetini and Anne Fernández de Corres taking out the club's most prestigious individual awards.
Valetini was named the Brett Robinson Players’ Player of the Year, claiming the prestigious award for the third time (2021, 2024, 2026) — joining an exclusive group of Brumbies greats to win the award multiple times.
The star back-rower was recognised by his teammates for another outstanding season in Brumbies colours, one in which the club leaned on his immense physical presence throughout the 2026 campaign. Valetini played 14 matches, scoring two tries while leading all Super Rugby players with 220 carries. He also ran for 1,205 metres—including more than 500 post-contact—broke 27 tackles and made 156 tackles in another dominant season.
Fernández de Corres claimed the Helen Taylor Award for Women's Player of the Year following a superb debut season in Brumbies colours, quickly establishing herself as a leader within the club's young and developing squad. A Spanish international and former Sevens captain, she brought experience, skill and composure to every performance, finishing the season with 13 tackle breaks and 39 tackles while consistently influencing the Brumbies in both attack and defence.
The night also belonged to Ryan Lonergan, who claimed two awards, including the Men’s Best Back Award and the Member’s Choice Award, recognising his stellar season in which he was also named in the Super Rugby team of the year.
The club also celebrated the next generation of Brumbies talent, with 17-year-old Georgie Hayes awarded the Women’s Outstanding Young Talent Award, while Toby Macpherson received the Shawn Mackay Young Talent Award following an impressive breakthrough season.
The 2026 Awards Night recognised players, staff, members, volunteers and contributors who embodied the values and spirit of the Brumbies throughout the season.
ACT Brumbies Chairman Joe Roff said the evening was an opportunity to celebrate the people who continue to make the club special.
“Tonight was about recognising the passion that goes into wearing this jersey and the people who continue to build this club,” Roff said.
“It is about celebrating those who have contributed to our story in 2026 and acknowledging the impact they have had on the Brumbies family.”
“Every one of our award winners has embodied what it means to be a Brumby. Rob and Anne, in particular, have set the standard through their performances, their leadership and the way they represent this club both on and off the field.”
The ACT Brumbies thank all players, coaches, staff, members, partners and supporters for their contribution to the 2026 season.
Community Engagement Awards
Lily Bone & Rhys van Nek
Women’s Most Outstanding Young Talent
Georgie Hayes
Shawn Mackay Most Outstanding Young Talent
Toby Macpherson
Graham Gordon Memorial Trophy for the ACT Best and Fairest U20’s Player
Ewald Kruger
Best Back Women’s
Ash Bishop
Best Back Men’s
Ryan Lonergan
Best Forward Women’s
Siokapesi Palu Sekona
Best Forward Men’s
Lachie Shaw
Members Choice
Lily Bone & Ryan Lonergan
Garry Quinlivan Service to Rugby Award
Tony Abel
Christian Leali’ifano Spirit of the Brumbies
Blake Schoupp
Helen Taylor Award, Women’s Player of the Year
Anne Fernández de Corres
Brett Robinson Players’ Player Award
Rob Valetini
