Oct 31, V7N- Australian loose forward Rob Valetini is hoping to improve the standing of Australian rugby on the Wallabies' upcoming tour of the northern hemisphere. Valetini, who recently won his second consecutive John Eales Medal, joins a select group of players with back-to-back wins of Australia’s top rugby honor. This recognition follows a difficult season for the Wallabies, who have struggled under Eddie Jones’ leadership and exited the World Cup early for the first time in history. Now under head coach Joe Schmidt, Valetini is focused on leading a turnaround for Australian rugby.
 
The Wallabies will face England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland next month as they make their first European tour since last year’s World Cup disappointment. Valetini, known for his aggressive style and defensive prowess, hopes to help restore rugby’s reputation in Australia, which he feels has been diminished over time. "I want to be part of the group that changes that perception," he said, describing his love for the game and his commitment to building its future in Australia.
 
This season, the 26-year-old ACT Brumbies forward has made an impact by starting every test, often playing in the blindside flanker position since the second test against Wales. His consistent performance and physicality have made him a standout, helping him surpass other top players like Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson in voting for the prestigious medal. With the Wallabies currently ranked world number 10, Valetini’s leadership and relentless drive will be vital for a team looking to gain momentum ahead of next year’s British and Irish Lions tour. 
 
Confident about the Wallabies' upcoming match-ups, Valetini believes in the team's potential against Europe's top sides. "We’ve got a great group of boys at the moment ... I’m keen to play against the European nations -- they’re all quite strong and we’ll be backing ourselves 100%," he affirmed.
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