Louis Picamoles was the centre of attention at the Northampton Saints End of Season Awards last night, taking home three of the awards on offer from the event, which was held at Althorp and sponsored by Prestige Business Travel.
The number eight took home the Champagne Moment (sponsored by Kubota), the Players’ Player of the Season (sponsored by Carlsberg UK) and the Supporters’ Player of the Season (sponsored by Travis Perkins).
“I’m very honoured, happy and proud to receive these awards,” the Frenchman said in an emotional speech.
“We play a collective sport in which we depend on others, and for me it’s important to thank my teammates.
“It has been a year with ups and downs. It is difficult to live in another country, but I would like to thank the club for their support towards my family and myself as well as their understanding.
“Thank you very much to all of the Saints supporters. I want to add a special thought to my grandfather, who left us this year, and I know how much he would have been so proud for me tonight.”
Other winners included:
Breakthrough Player Award (sponsored by Technocopy Solutions) – Ahsee Tuala
Young Player of the Season (sponsored by Ewing Associated) – Harry Mallinder
Try of the Season (sponsored by Trevor Dighton) – Rory Hutchinson
Clubman of the Year – Kristy Coates
Northampton Rugby Spirit Award (sponsored by Northamptonshire County Council) – Keith Picton
The Saints’ management thanks all the event’s sponsors, especially Prestige Business Travel, and to the staff at Althorp Estate.
“It's a great feeling. It's nice to be recognised and get an award, but even more so being up there nominated alongside Lewis and Hutch, two guys who I've come through the Academy with. It's great to be playing with them at first team level.”
HARRY MALLINDER
“I’m really humbled and grateful. It’s obviously a great privilege to receive this award because there were a lot of good candidates. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and pretty stoked at the moment.”
RORY HUTCHINSON
“It's an amazing feeling. I have to say thanks to George and Groomy because without them I wouldn't be in this position. I just remember having to work really hard to keep up with the break and fortunatley I was the one lucky enough to go under the sticks.”
AHSEE TUALA
