Premiership Rugby Awards Announced in London
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The Premiership is gearing up for a colourful conclusion as Northampton Saints, Harlequins, Saracens and Leicester Tigers prepare for battle in the semi-finals. However, despite the titanic efforts of those four sides, many clubs featured at the recent prizegiving for the current season.
Gallagher Player of the Season
This coveted award was scooped up by energetic Saracens loose-forward Ben Earl.
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw said:
“We’re enormously proud of Ben and how he has developed through our system.
“His impact coming back this season has been huge and he has become an increasingly important player in our squad.
“He is a leader, a phenomenal talent and we can’t wait to see him keep growing over the coming years. Congratulations, Ben!”
London Pride Director of Rugby of the Season
After a fantastic display this season, it comes as little surprise that Leicester Tigers boss Steve Borthwick was acknowledged with this award.
Champions Cup included, Leicester’s record this season looks as follows:
Played: 35
Won: 28
Lost: 7
Remarkably, Leicester notched up a winning streak of 16 matches in this year’s Premiership.
Land Rover Discovery of the Season
This award is given to a player who hits the Premiership scene with a bang, and, this year, after some fantastic showings – including a jaw-dropping, length of the field try – London Irish’s Henry Arundell took the prize.
“Henry has had a good breakthrough season with us, and this award is recognition for his efforts,” said Declan Kidney, director of rugby at London Irish.
“He has worked hard in training and applied himself well in matches. We look forward to seeing his development continue with London Irish. Our congratulations go to Henry and his family, who have supported him tremendously to get him to this point.”
Gallagher Community Player of the Season
After significant efforts in the community, Worcester Warriors’ Justin Clegg bagged this award.
Gilbert Golden Boot
Prodigious form off the kicking tee sees Leicester Tigers’ George Ford taking the honours with the above award.
Ford has kicked 38 conversions and as many penalties while also slotting one drop goal so far this season.
Premiership Rugby Top Try-Scorer
Bristol Bears’ winger Max Malins has made himself no stranger to the whitewash with a total of 16 tries.
The Famous Grouse Try of the Season
Spoiled for choice as far as this award goes, supporters eventually voted Gloucester Rugby winger Louis Rees-Zammit’s effort against Newcastle Falcons in Round 14 as the winner.
The youngster fielded a ball just outside his 22m area and proceeded to employ his remarkable running skills to out-strip the Falcons’ defence and dot down.
BT Sport Dream Team
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers), 14. Max Malins (Saracens), 13. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby), 12. André Esterhuizen (Harlequins), 11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins), 10. George Ford (Leicester Tigers), 9. Danny Care (Harlequins); 1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), 2. George McGuigan (Newcastle Falcons), 3. Will Collier (Harlequins), 4. Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), 5. Freddie Clarke (Gloucester Rugby), 6. Hanro Liebenberg (Leicester Tigers), 7. Ben Earl (Saracens), 8. Brad Shields (Wasps)