Winners announced at 2020 RPA Awards
With the end of the 2019/20 domestic season in sight the Rugby Players’ Association held their annual awards night virtually.
Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry was awarded the England Men’s Player of the Year for a season where he reached the World Cup final with his country and his displays saw him nominated as one of six for the World Rugby player of the year.
“It’s a bit of a cliché but when you're playing with this calibre of players and you feel like you have their respect at some points, that is unbelievable and something you only dream about really,” said the 22-year-old Curry.
“The World Cup was an unbelievable experience and one I will never forget, with incredible people, then the Six Nations and the club form Sale have been in. It has been a really challenging season, but one where I feel like I have developed and ultimately loved."
The Red Roses lock Zoe Aldcroft took home The Telegraph Women's Sport England Women's Player of the Year after a year where she has overcome a long-term injury to establish herself as a mainstay of the England pack.
“I am over the moon to win this, it's great to win an award but even better when you're teammates have been voting for you,” said 23-year-old Gloucester-Hartpury Women second row.
“Everything you do on the pitch is for those guys so it is really special. This is the first time I've had consistency in playing, I've been injured the last couple of years but this season I've really had the chance to make my mark.”
The England Women's Sevens Player of the Year in association with Mappin & Webb was taken home by Meg Jones who said: “It was a surprise to be honest as the girls that were nominated with me Ellie (Kildunne) and Abbie (Brown) are two phenomenal players who are a huge a part of the team and gel the team really well.”
While England Men's Sevens Player of the Year in association with Emirates Holidays was awarded to Ben Harris: “It means a lot to me that my teammates chose it, their opinion meant the most and that was incredibly rewarding.”
Now playing at Allianz Premier 15s side Sale Sharks Women, back Jodie Ounsley, who has represent England Deaf and England Women Sevens won the RPA Vodafone Gain Line Award - the award was created to celebrate the proactivity and off-field achievements of RPA members.
“Growing up with a disability, I feel I have a fire in my belly to go out and inspire other people,” said the 19-year-old. “I had the idea of going into schools, because I am a really shy person, so I thought you know what I am going to push myself out of my comfort zone, go into a school and talk about my journey.
“After that first school talk I was hooked and loved the positive impact it was having. To see deaf children now taking up rugby because of me is incredible to see.”
Other winners
- RPA Vodafone Business Players' Player of the Year – Jack Willis (Wasps Rugby)
- Sanlam Young Player of the Year - Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby)
- RPA Special Merit Award in association with Jura - Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens)
- RPA Blyth Spirit Award in association with Towergate Insurance - Michael Fatialofa & Tom Smith
- The Mammoth Mattress RPA Hall of Fame Award – Bill Beaumont
