Alex Goode among winners as Saracens claim awards treble
Thursday 19 May 2016 00:21, UK
Alex Goode has been named Aviva Premiership player of the season in an unprecedented hat-trick of awards for Saracens.
An outstanding campaign at Allianz Park has seen the newly crowned European champions further decorated with Mark McCall winning director of rugby of the season and Maro Itoje winning the discovery of the season award.
Goode is considered among the most naturally gifted players in the English game and played a key role in Sarries' march to a first Champions Cup success after they defeated Racing 92 21-9 in Saturday's final in Lyon.
The 28-year-old has struggled to displace Mike Brown as England's first choice full-back, but his form could yet see him installed at No 15 for the summer tour to Australia.
"Alex Goode has been one of the Premiership's most consistent performers for a number of seasons, but in this campaign has been hugely influential in Saracens' success and has produced some of the best form of his career," said Premiership Rugby director Phil Winstanley.
"Alex's quick feet, game management, kicking game and exceptional distribution skills have been the platform for a number of Saracens' victories this season."
Goode was joined on the player of the season shortlist by Wasps duo George Smith and Charles Piutau, Saracens team-mate Itoje and Exeter's Gareth Steenson and Don Armand.
Second row Itoje celebrated a stellar season for Saracens and England by being recognised as the competition's best young player - he has been making headlines despite still only being 21 - while McCall claimed the director of rugby award for the third time.
