French star claims prestigious award becoming the youngest winner since Jonah Lomu
Louis Bielle-Biarrey has won the Pat Marshall Award.
French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey has capped off a stunning season for club and country by winning the Pat Marshall Award, one of rugby’s most respected honours.
At just 21 years old, Bielle-Biarrey is the youngest recipient of the award since Jonah Lomu in 1995 – a notable feat given the New Zealander’s status in global rugby.
Rugby Union Writers’ Club award
While the comparisons are inevitable, the Six Nations Player of the Tournament is carving a name for his own.
The award is voted on by top rugby union writers from the Rugby Union Writers’ Club (RUWC) and recognises the game’s outstanding personality each year.
Bielle-Biarrey’s form this season has been remarkable in a year where France has won the Six Nations Grand Slam.
He helped guide his side to Six Nations glory, scoring eight tries in the tournament and has been a standout for Bordeaux, who sit second in the Top 14 and have been prolific in the European Champions Cup.
Saturday will see him take to the field at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff as the Begles take on the Northampton Saints in the European Champions Cup Final.
In total, he has scored 31 tries in 27 appearances this season — an incredible strike rate for a player still so early in his career.
“It is really an honour for me to write my name next to these legends of the game,” Bielle-Biarrey said after receiving the award. “It is a big honour, and thank you to all the journalists.”
He edged out France defence coach Shaun Edwards for the top spot, with other nominees including Ellie Kildunne, Sean Lynn in the women’s game and Antoine Dupont.
Previous French winners
His win places him alongside Antoine Dupont in 2021 and Jean-Pierre Rives in 1981 as the only French players to receive the honour which has been held by Courtney Lawes for the past year.
While the Lomu comparison adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially for fans familiar with the late All Black icon, the achievement stands firmly on its own.
Bielle-Biarrey’s rise has been built on consistency, speed, and an eye for the try-line that few players possess.
The RUWC also celebrated two other rugby figures at its annual event.
Matt Hampson, a former England prop who suffered a life-changing injury as a young player, was honoured for his ongoing work supporting others through his foundation and the Get Busy Living centre.
Craig Maxwell, former Welsh Rugby Union and Six Nations commercial chief, received the Investec Special Award for raising over £1.6 million for charity since being diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in 2022.
Bielle-Biarrey is a rising star making waves in both French and international rugby, and now sharing a piece of history once touched by a young Jonah Lomu.
READ MORE: All Blacks: When Scott Robertson will name his 35-man squad to face France
