England players recognised at RPA Awards
The RPA Awards saw a number of England internationals recognised for their contributions throughout the 2022/23 season.
England Women's Player of the Year
Sadia Kabeya took the award for England Women’s Player of the Year Award after an incredible Six Nations display.
The flanker played 375 minutes of the championship - only Abby Dow and Holly Aitchison featured more - she made 65 tackles throughout the tournament, carried 53 times and beat 16 defenders.
"A huge thank you to the girls who nominated me for this award, to be named amongst such talented teammates is a privilege in itself but to win is something I am beyond grateful for," she said "It’s been a great year for the Red Roses and it hopefully it only continues."
England Men's Player of the Year
For a second year running Freddie Steward won the England Men’s Player of the Year Award.
"To hear I won this award for a second year is an incredible feeling. Thank you to all of my teammates who voted for me, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team which is growing every day and I am very much looking forward to what the future holds with England."
Premier 15s Player of the Year
Natasha Hunt won the Premier 15s Player of the Year award after a stellar campaign for Gloucester-Hartpury, where to date they have lost just once.
Hunt leads the try-assist charts in the competition with 24, the next best being Flo Robinson of Exeter Chiefs with 10.
"I am truly honoured to receive this award," she said. "I feel very fortunate to be in a team stacked full of world class talent which makes my job easier. "To everyone that voted, thank you so much, it means the world. I just love this sport and everyone involved in it."
The RPA Special Merit Award
Dan Cole, Owen Farrell and Emily Scarratt picked up the RPA Special Merit award for the achievement of reaching 100 England appearances.
"Thank you to the RPA Players’ Board for their nomination," said Cole. "For me to achieve 100 appearances for my country, means a lot of support from home, so I’d just like to thank my friends and family for allowing me to do this. I’m so proud to play for my country, and I've had some great teammates and coaches along the way, so thank you to all of them too."
On his achievement, Farrell said: "Thank you to my teammates and family for their support. I love playing for my country, it is a hugely exciting time for England, I can’t wait to be a part of this team, heading into the World Cup, so thank you for this recognition."
Scarratt added: "To play 100 times for my country is amazing, and to make it in my home town meant so much to me. Thank you for this award, and I can’t wait to play for the Red Roses in the next few years to come."
The RPA Hall of Fame
Sarah Hunter and the late Doddie Weir have been inducted into the RPA Hall of Fame.
Hunter called an end to her stellar career after the Red Roses' opening victory in Newcastle. The backrower is England's most-capped player, and since her debut in 2007, she won one World Cup and 10 Six Nations titles, including nine Grand Slams.
"It is an absolute privilege to be inducted into the RPA’s Hall of Fame," said Hunter. "It means even more to be inducted alongside the legend that is Doddie Weir, so thank you to the board for their nomination."
