Rollston’s rugby prowess earns Somerset Sports Award
Published on 26 January 2026
Somerset Sports Award 2026 winner 19-year-old Rugby Union player Lochlan Rollston proudly represented Somerset on a state, national and international level in 2025.
LOCHLAN Rollston spent 2025 playing Rugby Union among Australia’s top athletes and represented the Somerset region in international competitions.
For his efforts, Somerset Regional Council awarded the 19-year-old rugby star with the 2026 Somerset Sports Award at the Australia Day Awards Ceremony on Monday, 26 January at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the young athlete had made waves in the rugby scene last year.
“Lochlan had an incredible 2025, first representing our region in the Queensland U18 Rugby 7s team against New South Wales in the ‘Battle of the Border’ at Ballymore Stadium in February,” Cr Wendt said.
“He then travelled to Scotland to train with the Glasgow and West Fosroc Scottish Rugby Academy and played with the GHK Mens 2nd VX team in front of national selectors and professional scouts.
“Back in Australia, Lochlan played for the West Bulldogs U20 team and the Wests Elite Mens 7s squad where he trained with some of the best international players in the world.
“In December, Lochlan captained the RSA Barbarians team in New Zealand, winning the Division 2 Championship to round out the year.”
Cr Wendt said Lochlan was an inspiration to all young athletes.
“While in high school, Lochlan attained Sportsperson of the Year three times, and runner up twice,” Cr Wendt said.
“Lochlan regularly helped at the Esk Primary School sports and swimming carnival days, connecting with students, teachers and parents.
“His first foray into sport outside of school was playing for the Brisbane Valley Bulls Rugby League Club here in Somerset.
“He also had a profound impact on the Esk Touch Football competition by helping his team earn its first ever win and catapulting them into finals contention.”
Cr Wendt said Somerset was lucky to have Lochlan representing the region on and off the field.
“Lochlan leaves an impression on everyone he meets with his work ethic and his passion for rugby,” Cr Wendt said.
“We’re proud to present him with the 2026 Somerset Sports Award, and we’re excited to see his rugby career continue to grow.”
Other 2026 Sports Award nominees included Travis Crichton and the Kilcoy State High School Campdraft Team 2026.