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By Pete Fairbairn (RUPA)
The Rugby Union Players' Associaton has today announced Western Force young gun Ross Haylett-Petty as one of five finalists for the 2016 Academic Achievement Award, with the winner to be announced at the Volvo-RUPA Awards Lunch on Wednesday December, 9.
The Academic Achievement Award is awarded to the fully contracted player who has undertaken and excelled in any level of education. It reflects the players’ dedication and commitment to his or her personal or professional development across a broad range of studies, and is not confined to university level education.
Finalists are put forward by the RUPA Player Development Managers who guide and support their players throughout the year with their academic and professional development. The winner is decided by RUPA Chairman Bruce Hodgkinson SC and RUPA President Benn Robinson.
The Award was first presented in 2011, when it was won by Western Force club legened Matt Hodgson, with other winners including new Western Force recruit Ben Daley (2015), Jeremy Tilse (2014), Tom Kingston (2013) and Pat McCabe (2012).
2016 RUPA Academic Achievement Award Finalists:
Ross Haylett-Petty (Western Force)
Western Force lock Ross Haylett-Petty, a RUPA delegate, graduated from his Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics and Business Law) at the University of Western Australia, and has already started his Masters degree in Financial Planning. Ross’ course is not accessible online, but his efforts to prioritise University attendance around his busy Rugby schedule are a credit to him and are a shining example to all at the Club.
Karmichael Hunt (Queensland Reds)
Alicia Quirk (Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens)
Tom Robertson (NSW Waratahs)
Tom Staniforth (ACT Brumbies)
The Academic Achievement Award is one of eight major awards presented at the Volvo-RUPA Awards Lunch, including the RUPA Medal for Excellence, Taylors Wines People’s Choice Wallaby of the Year and Community Service Award.
Stay tuned for announcements regarding the finalists in other award categories over the coming days and weeks.
Originally published as 2016 Academic Achievement Award Finalists Announced
https://www.westernforce.com.au/arti...award-finalist