Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade named Gallagher Player of the Season
Henry Slade recently agreed to a new contract with Exeter Chiefs
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England and Exeter Chiefs centre Henry Slade has been named the Gallagher Premiership Player of the season for his performance in the ongoing 2023/24 season.
Slade is also the leading points scorer in the season and recently signed a new contract with Exeter Chiefs committing his future with the club.
Slade's team-mate Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been named the breakthrough player of the season. He overcame challenges from Fin Baxter and Chandler Cunningham-South and Guy Pepper to claim the award.
Northampton's Phil Dowson was named the Director of Rugby of the season having guided the team to the top of the Premiership table in the league stage.
Saracens' Andy Christie was named community player of the season while Saints winger Ollie Sleightholme took home the Premiership Rugby Top Try Scorer award with 14 tries. Wayne Barnes was awarded a Special Recognition Award for a fine career in refereeing.
"“The 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership Rugby season has produced some incredible moments of drama and many of those protagonists went on to receive awards for their part," said Premiership Rugby CEO Simon Massie-Taylor said.
“Henry Slade has had a memorable season from start to finish, after missing out on the Rugby World Cup in France. He led a young, new-look Exeter Chiefs side to within touching distance of the play-offs.
"Henry is a world-class player and this season has also won a number of games with a clutch kick in the last play - so is a worthy winner of the Gallagher Player of the Season.
“We shouldn’t forget our Top Points scorer and Top Try Scorer. As well as Gallagher Player of the Season Henry Slade is the Top Points scorer with five tries added to 127 points from the tee.
"Saints’ Ollie Sleightholme was five clear of the competition in the try scorer stakes with 14. Surely on the radar of England, the winger was another star of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby season.
“Last but not least, Wayne Barnes, who we awarded a Special Recognition Award for a fine career Premiership Rugby - a true legend in our game amongst a stellar line-up of superb players and coaches."
