Congratulations to our winners and finalists from the Sydney University Sport & Fitness Sports Awards last week!
Our winners:
Coach of the Year:
Ryan Burge
Ryan led the 2nd Grade side affectionately known as La Rochelle to the Colin Caird Premiership, the only title for the Rugby Club in 2023. Having finished the regular season in 3rd place with 13 wins and 5 losses, the team went through the final’s series undefeated, winning the Grand Final 38-24 over Manly.
Ryan has been involved with the Club off and on since 2007 and dedicates a significant amount of his free time to SUFC attending training sessions three times a week as well as game days for 9 months of the year, Ryan’s hard work and dedication paid off in 2023 with a title win.
Sportsman of the Year
Angus Bell
After suffering two 6-month injuries spanning 2022 and 2023, Angus emerged as one of the standout performers for the Wallabies in 2023, earning a nomination for the prestigious John Eales Medal, awarded to the Australian Male Player of the Year. Angus showcased his talent on the world stage by participating in the Rugby World Cup held in France, playing for the famous Barbarians as well as representing his state with the NSW Waratahs during 2023. He now has 28 Caps for the Wallabies at just 23 years old.
Off the pitch, Angus serves as a significant role model and advocate for the children’s disability organisation ‘Whatability’ as well as working part time for KPMG and pursing his studies at Sydney University, all while being a fulltime professional athlete. While balancing his busy schedule Angus can often be seen at Sydney Uni games cheering on the students or representing the Rugby Club at functions, jersey presentations or coaching clinics.
Our finalists:
Professional Administrator of the Year: Nick Ryan
Professionally Administered Club of the Year: Rugby Union