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Rugby Union

Catt makes player of year shortlist

24/04/2007

London Irish and England utility back Mike Catt has been named on the five-man shortlist for the Professional Rugby Players' Association (PRPA) player of the year award.

Catt is not the only England player who starred in this year's Six Nations campaign to be named as one of the candidates at the PRPA awards, as four of the five candidates for the young player award played some part in the spring tournament.

In what is good news for the future of English rugby, Newcastle's Toby Flood, London Irish's Shane Geraghty, Wasps' Tom Rees and Harlequins' David Strettle have all made the shortlist on the back of encouraging international and domestic displays.

Anthony Allen, who picked up two England caps during the ill-fated autumn internationals last year, is the fifth name on the young player shortlist.

"This promises to be another outstanding evening attended by a number of stars from the Guinness Premiership and the international game," said Damian Hopley, the chief executive of the PRA.

"As well as honouring the players who have excelled throughout the season, the evening also raises much needed funds for those players who have had to retire due to serious injury or illness."

Joining London Irish captain Catt on the senior list are Glen Jackson of Saracens, Alesana Tuilagi of Leicester Tigers and Bristol team-mates Dan Ward-Smith and Roy Winters.

Ward-Smith was expected to be England coach Brian Ashton's first-choice number eight in the Six Nations but he suffered a knee injury on the eve of the tournament that prevented him from playing any part.

The awards dinner will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London next Wednesday evening, May 2nd.

Full award shortlists:

PRPA player of the year –

Mike Catt (London Irish)
Glen Jackson (Saracens)
Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers)
Dan Ward-Smith (Bristol)
Roy Winters (Bristol)

PRPA young player of the year –

Anthony Allen (Gloucester)
Toby Flood (Newcastle Facons)
Shane Geraghty (London Irish)
Tom Rees (London Wasps)
David Strettle (NEC Harlequins)

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