Bath and England centre Jonathan Joseph wins top rugby union awards
Tuesday 19 May 2015 13:58, UK
Bath and England centre Jonathan Joseph received double recognition at the annual Rugby Players' Association awards by winning the two top accolades available.
Joseph was crowned players' player of the year and England player of the year for 2015 for a stellar season for club and country that has earned comparisons with Jeremy Guscott.
The 23-year-old was recognised by his fellow professionals after helping Bath challenge for the Aviva Premiership title and scoring four tries in the 2015 Six Nations Championship for the runners-up.
Bath team-mate George Ford, Northampton's Samu Manoa, Sinoti Sinoti of Newcastle and Exeter's Thomas Waldrom were also shortlisted for players' player of the year, while Ford, Harlequins' Joe Marler and Billy Vunipola of Saracens were considered for the England award.
"I'm extremely honoured to win both of these prestigious awards, especially given the immense quality amongst the other nominees," Joseph said.
"As always I would like to thank the people who've made this possible - my family and friends, team-mates, coaches and all the people who have pushed me to strive to achieve my absolute best.
"I'm enormously proud to have my name on two of the RPA's awards, it's an absolute pleasure to have received this level of recognition from my peers."
Exeter playmaker and England prospect Henry Slade was named young player of the year while Alex Gray took England Sevens player of the year and Rochelle Clark was crowned England women's player of the year.
All awards were made at the RPA's annual fund-raising dinner in Battersea on Wednesday night.
