Saracens star Farrell lands young player of the year award (From Enfield Independent)

England and Saracens star Farrell named young player of the year

11:59am Thursday 24th May 2012 in Sport By Simon Mail

England fly-half Owen Farrell has been named young player of the year at the RPA awards.

The 20-year-old Saracens star also won the discovery of the season title at the recent Aviva Premiership awards.

Farrell said: "It's a massive honour just to be nominated never mind win this award, especially as it's voted for by your fellow professionals. These are the guys you play against week in, week out and all you want to do is earn their respect.

"It's so humbling to win as you can receive all the praise in the world, but to earn this kind of accolade from other Premierhsip players is fantastic."

The evening also saw Hugh Vyvyan, who confirmed his retirement from rugby at the end of the season, win a Special Merit Award for 16 years of service to the game.

The 35-year-old said: "It’s a huge honour and I feel very privileged to have had a 16-year rugby career and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It’s a game that I really love and I’m delighted to receive this award.

"I’m extremely proud to achieve such recognition from my peers. I’ve been an RPA representative at both Newcastle and Saracens and I’ve always tried to help out wherever I can and support my fellow professionals.

"I’d like to thank the RPA Board Members for selecting me for this award, it means a great deal to me and it’s the perfect way to end my career."