British and Irish Lions tourists headline Rugby Awards as South African coach scoops major gong
From left to right: Tomos Williams, Johann van Graan and Henry Pollock
British and Irish Lions tourist and Wales international Tomos Williams has been named Premiership Player of the Season, becoming the first Welshman to scoop the award.
The Gloucester star has taken the Premiership by storm in his maiden season at Kingsholm, scoring nine tries in his 17 outings this campaign.
He also becomes the first scrum-half to win the award, which was decided by a select panel of stakeholders, including journalists, pundits and former players.
British and Irish Lions tourists headline Rugby Awards
Williams wasn’t the only Lions tourist to be handed a major honour at the awards show, which was held in London last night.
Fellow inclusion Henry Pollock was named Breakthrough Player of the Year following his remarkable rise with Northampton Saints. The 20-year-old only made his first Premiership start in October, but has since become one of the biggest names in the competition and won his maiden Test cap with England. He was also selected for the Lions as a result of his form with the Saints.
Tommy Freeman was another Lion who picked up a gong at the awards show, as he was named England Men’s Player of the Year. The versatile Saints back has started all nine of England’s Tests in 2025 so far, scoring five tries in the process.
Ellis Genge was named Community Player of the Year for his charitable work in Bristol and the surrounding area. This award was voted by employees of Funding Circle.
Genge’s Bristol Bears teammate Gabriel Ibitoye and Leicester Tigers ace Ollie Hassell-Collins shared the award for top try scorer, with both men ending the regular season on 13.
Bath’s Johann van Graan was also named Director of Rugby of the Season after leading Bath to first place at the end of the regular season.
Leicester Tigers back Meg Jones was named PWR Player of the Season following her exploits at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, ending the season with 10 tries to her name across the campaign.
New Red Rose Millie David, who has been named in John Mitchell’s wider 42-player squad to begin training for the World Cup, was named PWR Breakthrough Player of the Season, and also scooped top try scorer alongside May Campbell, with the duo both finishing on 16.
Gloucester-Hartpury boss Sean Lynn – now Wales head coach – was named PWR Director of Rugby of the Season after leading his side to a third successive title.
Red Roses captain Zoe Aldcroft was named England Women’s Player of the Season after guiding her side to yet another Grand Slam.
Full list of award winners
Gallagher Player of the Season: Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby)
Breakthrough Player of the Season: Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
Director of Rugby of the Season: Johann van Graan (Bath Rugby)
Community Player of the Season: Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Gallagher Premiership Rugby Top Try Scorer: Ollie Hassell-Collins (Leicester Tigers) and Gabriel Ibitoye (Bristol Bears) – 13
PWR Player of the Season: Meg Jones (Leicester Tigers)
PWR Breakthrough Player of the Season: Millie David (Bristol Bears)
PWR Director of Rugby of the Season: Sean Lynn (Gloucester Hartpury)
PWR Top Try Scorer: May Campbell (Saracens) and Millie David (Bristol Bears) – 16
England Men’s Player of the Season: Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
England Women’s Player of the Season: Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester Hartpury)
Vodafone Business RPA Gain Line Award: Josh Bassett (Leicester Tigers), Josh Caulfield (Bristol Bears), Harry Glover (Great Britain 7s), Harry Thacker & Jake Woolmore (Bristol Bears)
The RPA Blyth Spirit Award: Taylor Gough
