Wasps wing Christian Wade wins double at awards

Wasps wing Christian Wade has landed a unique double at the Rugby Players' Association awards.

Wade, 22, was named both the Players' Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year after a superb season.

He scored 18 tries in 26 appearances and finished level with Wasps team-mate Tom Varndell as the Premiership's joint leading try-scorer with 12.

Jonny Wilkinson is the only other player to have won both RPA awards - but he did so in different years.

Wilkinson won the young player trophy in 1999 and the main award in 2003.

"I am really shocked and humbled," Wade said.

"When it is the players who you play week-in, week-out it makes it that more special. It is the greatest feeling to have the respect of your peers.

"Looking at the quality of the nominees in both awards I didn't expect to win and I am thankful to come out on top."

Wade won the Players' Player of the Year award ahead of the Leicester flanker Julian Salvi, with Saracens and England prop Mako Vunipola in third.

Vunipola also finished runner-up in the Young Player of the Year award with his brother, the Saracens-bound Wasps number eight, Billy in third.

Wasps were strongly represented, with lock Joe Launchbury named the England Player of the Year for 2012-2013.

Players' Player of the Year

1. Christian Wade - London Wasps

2. Julian Salvi - Leicester Tigers

3. Mako Vunipola - Saracens

Young Player of the Year

1. Christian Wade - London Wasps

2. Mako Vunipola - Saracens

3. Billy Vunipola - London Wasps

England Player of the Year 2013

Joe Launchbury - London Wasps

England Sevens Player of the Year 2013

Dan Norton

England Women's Player of the Year

Emily Scarratt

RFU Championship Player of the Year 2013

Tim Streather - Nottingham Rugby

The RPA Hall of Fame Induction

Ieuan Evans (Wales and British & Irish Lions)

Special Merit Award

Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers, Ireland and British & Irish Lions)

RPA Blyth Spirit Award

Michael Lynagh (Saracens and Australia)

Try of the Year

Ben Youngs - Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers, round 21, 20 April 2013