Overview

• The award was presented on Monday at the L’Olympia theatre in Paris during the LNR’s Nuit du Rugby ceremony.
• Willis edged Toulouse teammate Thomas Ramos and Bayonne centre Sireli Maqala for the top honour.
• He filled the leadership void during Antoine Dupont’s injury and scored two tries in the June final as Toulouse clinched a record 24th French championship.
• The 28-year-old joined Toulouse in 2022 after Wasps went into administration and is the first English winner since Zach Mercer in 2022, ending Dupont’s recent run.
• Other winners included Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France men’s international), Gaël Dréan (breakthrough), Jérôme Bosviel (Pro D2), Téani Feleu (France women), and Madoussou Fall-Raclot (Élite 1).