Players' Player Award for Goneva

Leicester winger Vereniki Goneva was crowned 2014 players' player of the year at Wednesday night's Rugby Players Association awards dinner in Battersea.

Goneva was recognised by his peers after scoring 12 tries in 18 Aviva Premiership matches in his first season at Welford Road.

The Fijian is known for his tackle-busting runs and muscular defence and recently signed a new two-year contract with beaten Aviva Premiership semi-finalists Leicester.

"This means a lot and I'm really very happy. It's an honour to win this award because a lot of players have done very well this season," Goneva said.

"To be voted by other players is something very special. A lot of players fight for this award so to be recognised like this is great."

The young player of the year award went to George Ford, who has helped Bath book a spot in Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup final against Northampton.

"I'm massively honoured to get the award and it's even more special because other players voted for it," Ford said.

"This is my first proper full season playing week in week out. I've enjoyed it and have learnt so much."

Mike Brown's flurry of awards continued after he was named England player of the year.

 

The RPA Computacenter Players' Awards 2014 winners:

Computacenter Players' Player of the Year 2014:

Winner: Vereniki Goneva - Leicester Tigers

2nd Place: Mike Brown - Harlequins

3rd Place: Chris Pennell - Worcester Warriors

LV= Young Player of the Year 2014

Winner: George Ford - Bath Rugby

2nd Place: Billy Vunipola - Saracens

3rd Place: Jack Nowell - Exeter Chiefs

England Player of the Year 2014 in association with Rhead Group

Winner: Mike Brown - Harlequins

HSBC England Sevens Player of the Year 2014

Winner: Tom Mitchell

The Sunday Times England Women's Player of the Year 2014

Winner: Rachael Burford

Championship Player of the Year 2014 in association with the RFU

Winner: Juan Pablo Socino - Rotherham Titans

TAG Heuer Special Merit Award

Winner: Steve Borthwick

RPA Blyth Spirit Award in association with Towergate Insurance

Winner: Richard Parks

The RPA Hall of Fame Induction in association with KPMG

Winner: Jonathan Davies