Friday 27 October 2017 07:43, UK
Israel Folau has been voted the best rugby union player in Australia, for a record third time.
The full-back has enjoyed an excellent international season and was rewarded by collecting the John Eales Medal, as chosen by Folau's own peers.
Folau, who plays for New South Wales Waratahs, has collected the accolade three times in five seasons, since switching codes from rugby league.
The 28-year-old received 260 votes from his fellow players, ahead of Kurtley Beale (166), Bernard Foley (146) and Michael Hooper (142).
No other player has been awarded the medal three times, with George Smith, Nathan Sharpe and Hooper winning it twice.
At a ceremony on Thursday, Folau said: "To be honest, I didn't expect it. Hoops (Hooper) is always a standout for me and he does all the hard work.
"I'm a little bit lucky in the sense KB (Beale) probably didn't participate in the spring tour.
"It's been special to receive this award and be recognised by the guys you go out with and play alongside.
"That's something I'm very humbled by. You can't really describe it in words."
Folau has crossed for 12 tries in 10 matches this year.
Folau, who once played for NRL teams Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm, moved from League to Union in December 2012.
