Packer & Steward among RPA Award winners
Marlie Packer and Freddie Steward were named Player of the Year for their respective England teams at the RPA Awards.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday evening at Evolution London, where Steward also took the title of Young Player of the Year, for his role in the resurgence of Leicester Tigers this season.
The full-back beat fellow England team mates Marcus Smith and Ellis Genge for the England Men's Player of the Year award, which was voted for by members of the Elite Players Squad.
"I was surprised to have even been nominated for the award, so to win it was an incredible feeling," said Steward. "It tops off a year full of incredible experiences in an England shirt that will stay with me and my family forever. I’ve been fortunate to be part of team with some unbelievable rugby players and individuals that have helped me learn so much."
Packer was named England Women's Player of the Year, topping off a fantastic year for the Red Roses.
"I am incredibly happy to have won this award selected by my teammates," said the flanker. "I have absolutely loved this season both at club and country and I look forward to the rest of the year with an incredibly talented bunch of players."
Elsewhere, Red Roses star Sadia Kabeya was named the Allianz Premier 15’s Award for a stellar season with Loughborough Lightning.
"I am extremely grateful to be receiving this award," she added. "It’s been a whirlwind of a season with a new club and the bonus of playing for my country too. The support around me in the Allianz Premier 15’s has been huge, and I am looking forward to seeing where I can go next season."
And Red Roses legend Katy Daley-Mclean was inducted into the RPA Hall of Fame.
"It’s massive honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame," she said. "Especially when you look at some of the legends that have also been inducted. I loved my time playing rugby both at club and international and this is just a lovely honour to receive and one I’m my very grateful for."
