Jimmy Gopperth, the Wasps fly-half, completed a hat-trick of rugby awards when he was named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season. He had already won the Rugby Players Association and Wasps’ player of the year awards after a season in which he played in 21 of Wasps’ 22 Premiership games and scored 266 points.

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young led the praise for the versatile New Zealander. “It’s difficult to put into words just how valuable Jimmy has been for our squad, both on and off the pitch,” he said. “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.”