Willis departs English rugby as Premiership Player of the Year before Bordeaux move

Tom Willis has been named Premiership Rugby Player of the Year by a vote of his peers, bringing the curtain down on his time at Saracens with the competition’s highest individual honour before he departs for Bordeaux.

The 27-year-old No.8, who earned eight England caps during his time in the Premiership, led all players in carries (229) and post-contact metres (338) across 18 regular-season appearances. His move to France renders him ineligible for England selection going forward. Willis is due to represent the Barbarians later this month before crossing the Channel.

Saracens completed a double on the night as 19-year-old Noah Caluori was named Breakthrough Player of the Year. The England hopeful finished the season as the competition’s leading try-scorer with 18 — the most ever scored by a back in Premiership history. His tally included two five-try hauls against Sale Sharks, the first on his debut start in October and a second in April.

Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson was recognised with the Director of Rugby of the Year award after steering his side to the top of the regular-season table. Saints became the first team in Premiership history to surpass 100 tries in a regular season, finishing with 104.

The end-of-season Dream Team featured wing Tommy Freeman, who scored 16 of Northampton’s tries, alongside England internationals Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Leicester full-back Freddie Steward — both of whom are sidelined for this weekend’s play-offs through injury. Bath captain Ben Spencer was named at scrum-half, while Billy Searle took the fly-half berth.

Leicester’s Jason du Toit earned his place in the side after a standout campaign that included a hat-trick of tries against Leicester in a 24-22 win last week — the first time a prop had scored three tries in a single Premiership match. Ollie Chessum and Exeter’s Andrea Zambonin were paired in the second row, with Tom Hooper and Bristol captain Fitz Harding at flanker, and Willis completing the back row at No.8.

Northampton scrum-half Tom James claimed the Community award to give Saints a second prize of the evening, while Josh Kemeny’s weaving finish against Sale in Round 7 was voted Try of the Season by the public. Joe Heyes was named England Men’s Player of the Season.

The Blythe Spirit award was collected on behalf of Lewis Moody, the 2003 Rugby World Cup winner who was diagnosed with MND last year and was unable to attend the ceremony. Ben Kay accepted the award in his place.