Jasper Wiese: Springbok number eight’s fine form rewarded with Players’ Player of the Year award

Jared Wright
Leicester Tigers and Springboks number eight Jasper Wiese claimed the top award at the RPA awards dinner after another stellar Premiership season.

Springboks and Leicester Tigers number eight Jasper Wiese has been named the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) Players’ Player of the Year after another prolific Premiership season.

Wiese was recognised by his fellow professionals after topping the votes and was awarded at the RPA dinner in central London on Wednesday night.

Beats out tough opposition

The 27-year-old beat rivals Mateo Carreras, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Tom Pearson for the award that fellow South African Andre Esterhuizen won last year.

“It’s very humbling to be named the winner of such a prestigious and special award,” Wiese said.

“I’d like to thank the players from around the competition for voting for me, and I just want to thank my Leicester teammates for their support too.”

Wiese built on his brilliant form last season to help defending champions Leicester reach the Premiership semi-finals, where Sale Sharks defeated them.

He scored six tries in 14 appearances in the competition, with his stats for the campaign reading an impressive 130 tackles, 11 offloads, and 218 carries.

Tom Pearson also rewarded

Meanwhile, London Irish back-row Tom Pearson was named Young Player of the Year as the Exiles finished a creditable fifth in the Premiership.

“I am honoured to win the year’s Young Player Award, especially getting voted by other players across the Premiership; it means a lot, so thank you,” Pearson said.

Wiese’s Leicester team-mate, Freddie Steward, picked up the England men’s Player of the Year award – for a second year running. Sadia Kabeya claimed the England women’s Player of the Year award.

“To hear I won this award for a second year is an incredible feeling. Thank you to all of my teammates who voted for me,” Steward said. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team which is growing every day, and I am very much looking forward to what the future holds with England.”

Gloucester scrum-half Natasha Hunt was crowned the Premier 15s player of the year.

Elsewhere, Dan Cole, Owen Farrell and Emily Scarratt all claimed the RPA Special Merit Award. Chris Ashton’s 100th Premiership try saw him claim the RPA Moment of the Season.

2023 RPA Awards winners

RPA Players’ Player of the Year: Jasper Wiese
Young Player of the Year: Tom Pearson
England Women’s Player of the Year Award: Sadia Kabeya
England Men’s Player of the Year: Freddie Steward
Premier 15’s Player of the Year Award: Natasha Hunt, Gloucester Hartpury
Business Gain Line Award: Beno Obano
RPA Special Merit Award: Dan Cole, Owen Farrell and Emily Scarratt
The RPA Blyth Spirit Award: Abi Burton and Ed Slater
RPA Hall of Fame: Sarah Hunter and Doddie Weir
Champagne Bollinger RPA Moment of the Season: Chris Ashton scoring his 100th Premiership try

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