FIN SMITH HAS BEEN CROWNED THE RPA MEN’S PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR AT THIS YEAR'S RPA AWARDS 2024, HELD AT DE VERE GRAND CONNAUGHT ROOMS ON WEDNESDAY EVENING.

The Northampton Saints fly-half polled the greatest number of votes from his fellow professionals to claim the most prestigious award in the English game, capping off a brilliant year for the Englishman.

Smith has had a sensational year for the table-topping Saints, helping them qualify for a home semi-final against Saracens on Friday night, and made his international debut for England in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations. He has scored 235 points for the club this season and also second in the Premiership Rugby Top Points Scorer charts, only to be beaten by Henry Slade. He was also named in the Gallagher Premiership Team of the Season.

On winning the award Smith said: “Winning this award is an immense honour, especially because it was voted on by all the players and teams I've competed against, which makes it even more meaningful. I am extremely proud of this achievement, so I just want to say a huge thank you to my teammates and coaches at Northampton who have helped me get this accolade.”

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs’ Immanuel Feyi-Waboso took this year’s RPA Men’s Young Player of the Year award. The winger also made his debut during the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, coming off the bench in the opening game against Italy. He has scored ten tries in the league for the Chiefs, topping off a great year for the 21 year old, beating off Smith, Fin Baxter, Guy Pepper and Asher Opoku-Fordjour for the Award.

Feyi-Waboso said: “To win the Young Player of the Year Award is huge, I really appreciate all the players  who voted for me and those who supported me. It could have gone to so many other people and to even be nominated for this is such a privilege.”

Looking at the international game, Ben Earl won the England Men’s Player of the Year Award, in association with Advanta Wealth, and Alex Matthews won the England Women’s Player of the Year, in association with LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Both these awards were voted for by members of the England Elite Playing Squads.

Other notable winners on the night included Meg Jones of Leicester Tigers Women, named the Premiership Women’s Rugby Player of the Year, and Marlie Packer & Alex Waller awarded the RPA Special Merit Award.  Gary Street was presented with the RPA Blyth Spirit Award, for his battle with his recovery following his stroke last year. Courtney Lawes was inducted into the RPA Hall of Fame, following an illustrious career in England.

Speaking about the winners on the night, RPA General Secretary Christian Day said: "Congratulations to this year’s RPA Awards winners! Being recognised by your peers, especially those you compete against, is the highest honour for any rugby player. All our winners have had remarkable seasons and should take immense pride in their achievements."