Jimmy Gopperth named Premiership Rugby Player of the Season

Wasps fly-half Jimmy Gopperth has been announced as the Premiership Rugby Player of the Year following his top performance in the ongoing season.

The 33-year-old is already the leading point-scorer in 2016/17 season after amassing 266 points that includes nine tries, 61 conversions and 33 penalties and is 76 points ahead of the second placed Stephen Myler.

Gopperth was also named Wasps' player of the season while also being voted as Rugby Players Association players' player of the year. The former Newcastle Falcons playmaker also won the Golden Boot award while his touchdown against Northampton Saints was named the try of the season.

"It's difficult to put into words just how valuable Jimmy has been for our squad, both on and off the pitch," said Wasps rugby director Dai Young.

"We all know he is a quality fly-half, but his ability to play 10, 12, 13 and even a couple of games at full-back for us this season has really helped the side.

"Jimmy always puts the team before himself and he's always played at a very high standard in every position he's played.

"He's a real club man and a quality player who deserves all the accolades he's got this season. He's also one of the most modest guys you could meet, really hard-working and a real leader around the camp.

"The team is the most important thing to him and he's a role model to the younger guys coming through. We're really pleased for Jimmy and he thoroughly deserves all the awards he's won."

Meanwhile, Wasps boss Young was named the rugby director of the season after leading his team to the top of the table this year.

Leicester Tigers' England prop Ellis Genge claimed the Land Rover Discovery of the season award, while Exeter's Sam Simmonds took the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s player of the tournament.

Worcester full-back Chris Pennell was named Aviva Community player of the season, while Harriet Millar-Mills claimed the women's Premiership players' player of the year award for the second season.

To round off the night, master of ceremonies Craig Doyle announced the BT Sport Dream honouring 15 players from six different clubs, with Saracens the best represented with five stars named.

The team:

15. Telusa Veainu – Leicester Tigers
14. Christian Wade – Wasps
13. Elliot Daly – Wasps
12. Brad Barritt – Saracens (captain)
11. Olly Woodburn – Exeter Chiefs
10. Jimmy Gopperth – Wasps
9. Richard Wigglesworth – Saracens
 
1. Mako Vunipola – Saracens
2. Jamie George – Saracens
3. Kyle Sinckler – Harlequins
4. Joe Launchbury – Wasps
5. Courtney Lawes – Northampton Saints
6. Don Armand – Exeter Chiefs
7. Jackson Wray – Saracens
8. Louis Picamoles – Northampton Saints