British and Irish Lions snub scoops major award after ‘rock solid’ displays for England
England prop Joe Heyes following their win v France in the 2025 Six Nations
Leicester Tigers tighthead prop Joe Heyes has been named England’s Player of the Summer Tour following his excellent displays against Argentina.
The award was decided by a public vote, with Heyes receiving a whopping 62% of the votes in the process.
Heyes started both Tests against Argentina, as England romped to a 2-0 series whitewash.
Joe Heyes scoops major England honour after impressive Test series win
📣 Joe Heyes appreciation post 📣
The @LeicesterTigers prop has been named our Player of the Summer Tour – as voted for by you, the fans 🙌
Tap below for your chance to win his signed shirt 👇
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 25, 2025
The news was confirmed via a post on England’s X account, which read: “Joe Heyes appreciation post.
“The Leicester Tigers prop has been named our Player of the Summer Tour – as voted for by you, the fans”
Heyes beat out strong competition from the rest of the wider squad to take home over half of the votes, following another showcase of his Test qualities.
The Leicester front-rower has been one of England’s most improved players in 2025. He made his return to the Test side during the Six Nations, following impressive displays for both Tigers and England A, and became a mainstay in the 23, alongside fellow prop Fin Baxter.
While most of his appearances have come off the bench at Test level, Heyes was promoted to the starting line-up this summer, with Will Stuart away with the Lions, and he yet again caught the eye with some strong scrummaging against Los Pumas, keeping Asher Opoku-Fordjour out of the starting side as well.
Following the announcement, fans have taken to X to shower Heyes with praise.
“That’s such good news. He was bloody awesome. A rock solid, hard charging, chaos machine. Him and Baxter just wrecked the house, and it’s hugely earned and Prop is not a glamour position,” one fan wrote.
The same user added: “He was brilliant. I’m not sure Will Stuart is walking back into that shirt. Heyes was everywhere and everything you want in a tighthead.”
“Props Only Season,” another added.