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Barnes scoops RUPA award
Berrick Barnes: Top of the pops with his peers
Berrick Barnes' fine year has been rewarded with the Australian Rugby Union Players' Association's medal for excellence, despite missing the November tour with injury.
Barnes rolled his ankle before the Bledisloe Cup Test in Tokyo in October and subsequently missed Australia's tour of the UK and Ireland.
The award is voted on by the 132 Super 14 professionals on a 3-2-1 basis and, as well as on-field exploits, recognises what players have been doing off the field in preparation for their life after rugby.
Barnes has been studying at Griffith University and, with his switch to Sydney and the Waratahs from Queensland and the Reds, will continue at the University of Sydney.
"Being named as vice-captain of the Wallabies is a reflection of the high esteem Berrick is held in by both his peers and the ARU coaching staff," outgoing RUPA chief executive Tony Dempsey said in a statement.
"It was unfortunate he was injured and unable to tour with the Wallabies, however I'm sure he will have an even better 2010."
Queensland prop Laurie Weeks won the RUPA newcomer of the year award, which Barnes also scooped in 2006.
