Tom Curry was named England Men's Player of the Year, whilst fellow back-rower Poppy Ceall picked up the England Women's Player of the Year award.

Both proved pivotal in England's success - the men clinching the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup last December, and the women a more recent Six Nations title.

"Looking at who has one this award before me, Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Bern, and Tamara Taylor - legends of the women's game it is amazing to be voted by my peers to win this award," said Cleall. "It is something I never thought would happen but it is a massive honour. One of the main highlights I have had of this season is the resilience shown by all the teams I have been involved in. Covid-19 happening made me incredibly grateful that I got to play rugby with my friends and do what I love doing."

Curry added: "This season I have been working off the field on leadership and who I am as a person. I went through a period of over-thinking things and over-complicating things, which actually had a negative effect on my game. Now I throw myself into things and see what happens. I try not to plan ahead, not too much thinking about the past, just trying to stay present in what I am doing."

Elsewhere Ben Youngs, who became England Men's second most capped player of all-time last year, won the RPA Special Merit Award, whilst former England prop Alex Corbisiero was announced as this year's recipient of the Blyth Spirit Award.

"Thank you so much for this award, it is very humbling," commented Corbisiero. "I am recovering well and getting back to day to day life. I'm really grateful to hopefully have that experience behind me and just incredibly thankful for all of the support and the warmth I got from the public. The care I received from Guys Hospital in London was incredible and hopefully I can turn what is a tough experience into something positive. I feel privileged to be in the amazing company of the people who have won this award before and am so grateful for the support."

England's most capped Test player Rochelle 'Rocky' Clark was recognised with the RPA Hall of Fame Award, and hooker Tom Dunn, who earned a long-awaited Test debut against Italy last October bagged the Gain Line Award. 

The Players' Player of the Year Award went to Exeter's Sam Simmonds, who commented: “This award in particular means a lot. The way that it is picked and the way you get nominated is from players that you play against every week and throughout the season. So for them to recognise and notice that I have been having a strong season is fantastic and I appreciate that. Once the season is over - hopefully after a few more wins - then I can look back both individually and as part of the team and feel good about what we have achieved."

And Marcus Smith was voted Young Player of the Year. “It is always nice to be honoured for individual awards, but alot of the credit has to go to my teammates at Harlequins," said Smith.

"They've made me look good this year and without the forwards, backs I couldn't have done my job. To be voted for by fellow players who I play against week in week out makes it extra special and motivates me to win more individual honours in the future hopefully.”