Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale has been awarded this year’s John Eales Medal for Australia’s player of the year.

The Medal is voted for by the Australian team and is considered to be the most prestigious prize in Australian rugby.

Beale, 22, picked up 127 votes from his teammates to be crowned Australia’s most outstanding player for the last 12 months.

He edged out hooker Stephen Moore, flanker David Pocock, lock James Horwill and scrum-half Will Genia to claim the award.

Elsewhere at the awards ceremony, utility back Pat McCabe won Rookie of the Year and Radike Samo picked up Try of the Year for his score against New Zealand in last week’s Tri-Nations final.

Australia kick off their World Cup campaign against Italy on Sunday, September 11.