Blog Banner

Navidi and Evans scoop awards

9th May 2018


Cardiff 'Blues duo Josh Navidi and Jarrod Evans have claimed a double at the Welsh Rugby Writers' awards.

Navidi, who was outstanding during the Six Nations, replicating his regional form, was named Player of the Year.

He saw off a huge challenge from hooker Ken Owens [Scarlets], voted Most Promising Player by the journalists in 2010, to take the prestigious title by just a single vote. In third place was Hadleigh Parkes [also of Scarlets].

Fly-half JEvans emerged a clear winner in the contest for this year’s Most Promising Player, emulating the first-season success in 2017 of Scarlets’ Steff Evans.

His nearest rival was up-and-coming wing three-quarter Owen Lane [Blues]. Both players have made explosive entries into the game at high level and are on the brink of international recognition.

Best Player of the Premiership this time is Kyle Evans of Merthyr RFC, with support also given to the claims of Afan Bagshaw and Dione Jones [RGC], Lee Rees [Llandovery], Morgan Griffiths [Carmarthen Quins], Ross Jones [Ebbw Vale] and Dale Stuckey [Pontypridd].

Plaques will be awarded at the annual dinner of Welsh rugby writers in Cardiff which takes place later in the year.