PRA COMPUTACENTER RUGBY PLAYERS’ AWARDS 2005

 CORRY AND ELLIS TAKE PLAYERS’ AWARDS

Martin accepted the award at a Gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London , in front of over 800 people, including leading rugby players past and present, and personalities from the rugby community. Martin was a deserved run away winner, as his consistent performances for Leicester have helped the Tigers to the top of the Zurich Premiership and have culminated in his selection for the British and Irish Lions.  Martin took the award ahead of fellow Leicester Tiger Andy Goode, Sale Sharks’ Sebastien Chabal and Mark Cueto, and Worcester Warriors Captain and PRA Chairman, Pat Sanderson.   On receiving the award, Martin said

“It is a huge honour to be voted the PRA Computacenter Players’ Player of the Year by your fellow players. I am extremely humbled that they have given me this award.”

Leicester team mate Harry Ellis was also recognised by his fellow players, as he was voted PRA Mercedes-Benz Young Player of the Year. His exciting and tenacious performances this season led to his inclusion in the recent RBS Six Nations, and he has played an integral part in Leicester ’s Zurich Premiership and Heineken Cup campaigns. Harry Ellis headed a group of exciting young English nominees, including team mate Ollie Smith, Leeds Tykes’ Chris Bell, Bath ’s Matt Stevens and Newcastle Falcon Mathew Tait.  Ellis said

 “I feel extremely privileged to be voted the PRA Mercedes-Benz Young Player of the Year. This has been a fantastic season with Leicester and I hope to finish it with victory in the Zurich Premiership final.”

PRA Chief Executive Damian Hopley said, “This year’s PRA Computacenter Rugby Players’ Awards have been another resounding success. As well as honouring the outstanding individual and collective playing achievements of the past year, tonight is also very much about raising much needed proceeds for the PRA Benevolent Fund, and to enable us to continue improving the services for all 450 of our members. Our congratulations go to all the nominees and winners tonight.”

Others to be awarded included London Wasps and three times British and Irish Lion, Lawrence Dallaglio, who picked up the PRA Kingston Smith Special Merit Award for his outstanding contributions to rugby, and Jonah Lomu who was awarded the Blyth Spirit Award for the remarkable courage he has shown in the face of adversity.  

New Zealand legend, Sean Fitzpatrick and Wales and Lions great Gareth Edwards were also inducted into PRA Gerrard Hall of Fame. Sean said, “It is a great honour to be inducted into the PRA Gerrard Hall of Fame and join such illustrious names from the world of rugby.” On collecting his award, Gareth said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this award. I feel greatly privileged to be recognised with players that hold such respect within the world of rugby.”

PRA Computacenter Rugby Players’ Awards 2005

 PRA Computacenter Players’ Player of the Year

Martin Corry, Leicester Tigers  

PRA Mercedes-Benz Young Player of the Year

Harry Ellis, Leicester Tigers

 PRA Premier Rugby Highlight of the Season

Leeds Tykes Powergen Cup Final Victory vs. Bath Rugby ( 16/4/05 )  

PRA Kingston Smith Special Merit Award

Lawrence Dallaglio, London Wasps and England  

The Blyth Spirit Award Sponsored by THB Clowes

Jonah Lomu  

PRA Daily Telegraph Try of the Year

Bruce Reihana, Northampton Saints vs. Bath Rugby ( 4/9/04 )  

PRA Gerrard Hall of Fame Inductions

Gareth Edwards and Sean Fitzpatrick

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon