2026 Annual Presentation Night Award Winners

The Canberra Royals celebrated 77 years of rugby at the 2026 Annual Presentation Night, recognising the players, volunteers and club people who carried the Bluebaggers through another big season.

It was a year to be proud of, with both 1st Grade and 4th Grade making the grand final. Congratulations to everyone who pulled on the blue jersey, and to the coaches, managers and volunteers who made it all possible.

Club Awards

J.S. Waters Trophy: Zac Ross
Commemorating Jack Waters, who founded the Royals in 1949 and served as President and 1st Grade coach, and was an inspiration on and off the field.

David Williams Player's Player Award: Matthew Galvin
Named for David Williams, a Royals junior who came through the Falcons into the senior grades and died from injuries received playing for the club in 1982. Voted by the players, it is the club's most prestigious award.

Keith Hawke "Best Clubperson" Trophy: Taleah Greene
Presented every year since 1949 for hard work in the administration and running of the club, and named after club legend and Life Member Keith Hawke.

Bill Lavis Memorial Award: Andrei Ohlmus
For valuable service to the club over an extended period, in memory of former 1st Grade five-eighth Bill Lavis.

Ian Buttsworth Trophy for Meritorious Service: Chris Rouse
For the voluntary work that is critical to keeping Royals going, in honour of long-serving committee member, touch judge and referee Ian Buttsworth.

John Blewitt CRRFC Commitment Trophy: Patrick Bouquiaux
Recognising outstanding dedication to the running of the club outside administration, in memory of former Royals player John Blewitt.

Canberra Royals Award for Outstanding Contribution to Women's Rugby: Justin Vandenbergh
For the member of the Royals community who has done the most to advance women's rugby, on and off the field.

Courage and Commitment Award: Jarrah McLeod
Donated in 1994 by Mick Houston, for dedication to success through on-field and off-field toughness and commitment.

Graham Daley Memorial Shield for Most Improved Player: Bailey Bouquiaux
Donated by Jim Daley in memory of his son Graham.

McInnes/Joey Henry Trophy for Most Promising Junior Graduate: Xavier Ryan
For the junior who has made the most progress in the senior grades. Joey Henry's name now sits alongside the McInnes Trophy, so his memory and potential live on at Royals.

Joel Britten Award, Best Young Clubperson: Luca Giugni
For a younger player who, in their first few years at the club, has shown outstanding effort and enthusiasm on and off the field.

The Bourko Award: Spencer Scott
For the most commitment to training across the season, named after legendary hardman and fitness trainer Brian Bourke.

Royals Player X Award: Liam Bowron
For the player with the most points from the coaches' 3-2-1 votes after each game.

Club Trophy for Leading Club Try Scorer: Aiesi Siolo (11 tries)

Jeff Southwell Trophy for Leading Club Point Scorer: Chace Oates

Grade Awards

First Grade Men: Best Forward Liam Bowron, Best Back Zac Ross, Coaches Award Aiesi Siolo

First Grade Women: Best Forward Ella Boundy, Best Back Maggie Glassock, Coaches Award Hannah Stewart

Second Grade: Best Forward Matthew Galvin, Best Back Tyler Meredith-Brown, Coaches Award Joshua Madden and Benjamin Smith

Colts: Best Forward Lance Po-Ching, Best Back Xavier Ryan, Coaches Award Josh Hayman

Third Grade: Best Forward Yioti Katsoulis, Best Back Riley Butterfield, Coaches Award Liam Zammit

Fourth Grade: Best Forward Jacob Bindley, Best Back Matty Cole, Coaches Award Zac Nissen

Milestones

200 grade games: Michael Andrew-Copsy

150 grade games: Jerome Freestone

100 1st Grade games: Tom Iles and Zac Ross

100 grade games: Ella Boundy, Padric Buchi and Spencer Scott

Congratulations to every award winner, and thank you to our partners and sponsors for backing the club through 2026. Every winner is now on the club Honour Board.