Pritchard seals Rugby Australia Rookie of the Year after breakout Reds season

Treyvon Pritchard claimed the Santos Men’s Rookie of the Year award at the 2026 Rugby Australia Awards on August 18, becoming the latest in a line of distinguished winners that includes Taniela Tupou, Jordan Petaia and, most recently, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

The 19-year-old made 12 appearances for the Queensland Reds in his debut Super Rugby Pacific season, logging more than 450 minutes under head coach Les Kiss — now in charge of the Wallabies. Pritchard’s campaign began with a debut away to the ACT Brumbies on March 7 and included a maiden start against the Western Force in round 11, with further starts against Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua following.

“It means a lot. There’s a lot of big names that have got this award before me,” Pritchard told reporters at the ceremony. “It’s an honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the Reds and play Super Rugby this year. It was a dream come true.”

Pritchard’s season extended beyond club rugby. The 2025 Global Youth Sevens MVP stepped up to Australia U20 level, making three appearances at the World Rugby Junior World Championship at inside centre. He played the full 80 minutes in a five-point defeat to France and scored a try in the second minute of that match. An ankle injury sustained against Wales has since sidelined him, though he is reported to be on track to return for the 2027 season.

“Super is a cut above. You see the boys that go there, they’re able to step up and do it at international level,” Pritchard said. “Just being able to be there week in, week out, as lucky as I was… then obviously go back to the under-20s setup was awesome.”

His immediate future is secured at Ballymore. Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia announced on August 18 that Pritchard had signed a new contract through 2029, fending off reported interest from NRL expansion club the Papua New Guinea Chiefs.

“With this injury, we’re working to get back on the field and build for next year and put another season out,” Pritchard said of his plans ahead.