He was on the losing side in last week's Champions Cup final, but Clermont full-back Nick Abendanon has been rewarded for his superb season by winning the European Player of the Year award
The Englishman, who joined the French side from Bath last summer, scored four tries during Clermont's route to the last Saturday's decider, including this stunning effort against Toulon that gave his side hope of coming from behind to win a first European crown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU8mFoHF9AA#t=55
In all, Abendanon was the dominant attacking force in Europe this season, racking up 929 metres gained and beating 34 defenders during Clermont's campaign, including a game-high 155 in the final.
The full-back said: "I realise that this is an individual award but it is, for me, a recognition of the players around me who have shown such resolve and endeavour during a tough European season. I would therefore like to accept it on behalf of the whole squad as a small consolation for Saturday's disappointment."
They can go the whole way! After selecting our Ireland match-day 23 for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, we have gone one step further and picked our full 33-man squad. Props Tom O’Toole was the big winner from the Six Nations, taking his opportunity with aplomb. Paddy McCarthy and Jack Boyle haven’t seen much game […]
That seems to be that. Away from Ireland’s Triple Crown-winning exploits on the rugby pitch, there has been the ‘slight’ distraction that is Andy Farrell’s contract. Speculation over his post-World Cup plans ramped up when it was reported that Saracens were looking to bring him back. However, the latest comments from Ireland’s head coach suggest […]
It’s getting close! With the Six Nations over and done with, Ireland’s 2027 World Cup match-day squad has become a whole lot clearer. We’ve picked the side we would like to see, with a few surprises on the bench. Loosehead prop – Paddy McCarthy After injuries to Ireland’s top-three looseheads – Andrew Porter, Jack Boyle […]