Slade Crowned Gallagher Premiership Player of the Season
England and Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade has been named the Gallagher Premiership player of the season at the prestigious Premiership Rugby Awards. Despite Exeter’s seventh-place finish in the league, the 62-cap international enjoyed a memorable campaign, capping it off with this prestigious accolade.
Slade beat out stiff competition from Northampton Saints duo Courtney Lawes and Fin Smith, as well as Bath’s Finn Russell, to claim the top individual honour. The season had not started in ideal fashion for the talented playmaker, as he missed out on England’s World Cup squad last year. However, Slade regained his place in the national team for the Guinness Six Nations and finished as the league’s leading point scorer.
Exeter’s Successful Night
Adding to Exeter’s successful night, Slade’s club and country teammate Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was named the breakthrough player of the season. The young talent’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable, going from playing for National League One’s Taunton Titans last season to becoming a shining star in the Gallagher Premiership and earning England recognition.
Northampton Saints’ Strong Season
Northampton Saints enjoyed a strong season, with boss Phil Dowson crowned the director of rugby of the season. The only individual award for the league leaders came in the form of winger Ollie Sleightholme, who took home the top try scorer accolade with 14 tries.
Community Involvement and Special Recognition
Elsewhere, Saracens and Scotland flanker Andy Christie was recognized for his community work as the recipient of the community player of the season award. Fittingly, retired referee Wayne Barnes was also given a special recognition award, bringing the curtain down on his illustrious career after officiating the World Cup final.
“Henry Slade has had a memorable season from start to finish, after missing out on the Rugby World Cup in France,” said CEO of Premiership Rugby Simon Massie-Taylor. “He led a young, new-look Exeter Chiefs side to within touching distance of the play-offs and is a worthy winner of the Gallagher player of the season.”
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