mens
super-rugby-pacific
Queensland Red Teenager Treyvon Pritchard capped a breakout season by taking home the Santos Men’s Rugby Rookie of the Year 2026. Australia The awards, previously won by the likes of Taniela Tupou, Jordan Petaia and Tim Ryan.
But more recently, Pritchard has followed in the footsteps of the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who received the same recognition 12 months earlier. Both have made their mark on rugby in June, with the ‘Su’ switching codes from the NRL ahead of the 2024 spring tour.
The Queensland Rugby Union and Rugby Australia announced on August 18 that Pritchard had signed a new contract until 2029, despite a report of interest from the NRL club in the expansion Papua New Guinea Chiefs.
Pritchard made 12 appearances for the Reds as a Super Rugby Pacific rookie last season, starting on debut away to ACT Brumbies March 7th. The 19-year-old has also started matches in the back three for the side coached by Les Kiss, who is now in charge of the Wallabies.
Australia U20 Representative honors followed, lining up at inside center in three appearances at the World Rugby Junior Championship. Pritchard picked up an ankle injury against Wales but remains on course for another big year in 2027.
“It means a lot. There are a lot of big names who have won this award before me,” Pritchard told reporters at the Rugby Australia Awards.
“I am honored and truly grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the Reds and play Super Rugby this year. It has been a dream come true.”
“With this injury, we’re working to get back on the field and build for next year and put out another season.”
Pritchard played more than 450 Super Rugby Pacific minutes last season, appearing as a regular in the 23rd game under Kiss. The utility earned the first start against Western Force in the 11th round and later appeared in the XV against Pacific Ocean and the Fijian Drua.
The 2025 Global Youth Sevens MVP returned to international level for Australia U20, against Spain, Fiji and Fance during the pool stage. Pritchard played the full 80 in the five-point loss to France, contributing to the scoreboard with a try in the second minute.
“It’s a little over the top. You see the guys that go there, they’re able to step up and do it at the international level,” Pritchard said.
“Just being able to be there week in and week out, how lucky I’ve been … and then obviously coming back into the under-20s line-up has been great.
Queensland Reds Teenager Treyvon Pritchard capped off a breakout season by taking home the Santos Men’s Rookie of the Year title.
“Going around those guys … a lot of them are ready to play Super Rugby. Rejecting ideas and skills that allowed me to improve myself and picking things from their games ultimately allowed me to get better.”
Jock Campbell has been named Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year after a career-best season in maroon. That led to greater honors with the Wallabies in July, returning to the Test arena for the first time since the end of 2022.
The Reds recently announced that Campbell was among six players to leave the club, with Wallabies midfielder Hunter Paisami another. But Campbell certainly had an impact during his long spell at the club, as Pritchard explained.
“He’s been big for me. He’s probably brought his game up a notch this year. He’s had a breakthrough season, probably one of the best backs in Australia.”
“It was good for me to be able to see him develop his game and get that confidence to play like he did this year. It was good to be able to sit back and witness what he’s done and what he’s doing.”
“The confidence he’s brought this year has helped me. He’s taught me a lot this year. I was pretty new to the backfield this year … he’s helped me with him, it’s just made it a lot easier for me. He’s big for me.”
