Wilkinson - The PRA Players' Player 2003
By Mally (27/05/03)
May 27 2003
Jonny Wilkinson, the Newcastle Falcons and England fly half has tonight been named the PRA Computacenter Players' Player of the Year 2003 by his rugby playing peers at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
The award, which is voted for by over 400 of Wilkinson's fellow professional players is the ultimate accolade and caps a memorable season. The 2002 - 2003 season has seen Jonny captain both club and country, help England beat the Southern Hemisphere big 3 in the autumn internationals, get injured and then come back to win the 6 Nations with the elusive Gland Slam, help Falcons avoid relegation and become one of the youngest sportsmen to receive an MBE and he even found time to pick up his Gold Blue Peter badge.
However of all the accolades which Jonny has receives over the course of the season, this is one which he truly values and considers "a great honour". Wilkinson won the award in the face of stiff opposition from the other nominees Richard Hill, Andrew Blowers, Bryan Redpath and Jake Boer, Wilkinson commented:
"It's a great honour to be voted as the PRA Computacenter Players' Player of the Year by my peers especially given the high standard of rugby played in the Zurich Premiership at the moment. This is a very special award and I would like to dedicate it to the team and coaches at Newcastle Falcons for all their help over the season."
Gloucester's No. 8, James Forrester won the PRA Land Rover Young Player of the Year Award, with an overwhelming majority of the votes ahead of team mates Marcel Garvey, and James Simpson-Daniel as well as Shark's Chris Jones and Leicester Tiger's Ollie Smith.
Congratulating the players Damian Hopley the PRA Chief Executive said:
"It has been an outstanding year for English rugby on both the club and international scene. Tonight has been a great occasion to celebrate the efforts of all the players this season, and to raise much needed proceeds for the Injured Players Fund. Our congratulations go to all the nominees and winners, and I wish all the players success on their summer tours."
Other Awards:
The Blyth Spirit Award Sponsored by Rugby World: Jarrod Cunningham
The Daily Telegraph Readers Try of the Year 2003: Jason Robinson (Sharks)
The Premier Rugby Outstanding Contribution Award 2003: Jason Leonard (NEC Harlequins)
Peter Wheeler, Gerald Davies and Tim Horan inducted into the PRA Gerrard Hall of Fame.
PRA Kingston Smith Dream Team
The PRA members also voted on their "Dream Team". Jonny Wilkinson was the only Newcastle Falcons' player to make the side, which included 5 Sharks' players, 3 Northampton Saints' players, 3 from Gloucester, and perhaps surprisingly considering their final league position none from London Wasps.
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