Wednesday 16 May 2018 22:52, UK
Newcastle's remarkable season has been recognised with three significant prizes at the Premiership Rugby Awards.
Vereniki Goneva was named Player of the Season by a judging panel to win the latest award of an outstanding 2017-18 campaign, having already taken the players' player of the year and Falcons player of the year.
Falcons chief Dean Richards was also recognised at the annual gala event in London by claiming the Director of Rugby of the Year award.
Goneva has scored 13 Premiership tries this season, making him joint highest try scorer, and has been a key factor in Newcastle's unexpected climb into the play-offs.
He beat off competition from fellow nominees Danny Cipriani of Wasps, Exeter's Don Armand, Faf De Klerk of Sale and Northampton's Jamie Gibson.
Speaking about Goneva, Richards said: "Niki is a very humble guy who will take no pleasure in being singled out for an individual award, although clearly he will be honoured to receive this accolade.
"Even in a season like we are having it is hard not to single him out when he has performed to such a consistently high level throughout.
"He defies the ageing process with the physical condition he keeps himself in and he is a phenomenal athlete."
Sinoti Sinoti's score against Exeter in round 13 was voted by the public as Try of the Season, to complete a hat-trick of awards for Newcastle.
Exeter No 8 Sam Simmonds was named Discovery of the Season after launching himself into the England squad on the back of a fine set of club performances.
