Rookie voted best Australian Super Rugby player

In a small consolation for the exiled Western Force, Fijian-born backrower Isi Naisarani has been voted Australia’s best Super Rugby player in 2017 in his first season as a professional player.

Naisarani finished top of the voting with 87 votes, ahead of Rebels backrower Amanaki Mafi (78), and Brumbies duo Allan Alaalatoa (69) and Henry Speight (64).

“On behalf of Australia’s players, I want to congratulate Isi for an exceptional achievement,” RUPA President Dean Mumm said.

“The challenges associated with playing for the Western Force in 2017 have been well-documented, yet Isi’s performances have been consistently outstanding despite the unsettling landscape.

Isi Naisarani’s rise in Australian rugby started three years ago where he played club rugby for Souths in Brisbane. A promotion with the Brisbane City NRC side in 2016 showed glimpses of potential where Naisarani scored five tries, leading to the Force jumping at the chance to sign him.

Following the Super Rugby season the Brumbies annouced they had secured the rising talent for 2018.

“That, coupled with his youth and inexperience heading into the season, only make his performances all the more remarkable.

“The prospect of Isi competing for a Wallaby place in early 2019 is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to watching him continue to develop at the Brumbies in 2018.”

Naisarani is the third backrower to ever win the award after Pocock (2010 & 2015) and George Smith (2007 & 2008).