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Flutey: Named the best by his fellow professionals

I am determined to come back from the injury a better player, both physically and mentally.

Danny Cipriani
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Danny Cipriani has been named young player of the year at the Professional Rugby Players' Association gala dinner.

The award is a timely boost for the Wasps fly-half as he begins his long recovery from a dislocated fracture of his right ankle.

The 20-year-old suffered the injury on Sunday during the Guinness Premiership semi-final win over Bath and will be out of action for six months, ruling him out of England's summer tour to New Zealand.

He beat out competiton from Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care and Wasps colleague James Haskell to claim the Nick Duncombe Memorial Trophy.

Privilege

"I am privileged to have been nominated for both players' awards," Cipriani said.

"To have been voted the PRA Mercedes-Benz young player of the year by my fellow players is a huge honour and it means a lot to me.

"It wouldn't have been possible without the talented players around me and the continued advice and support from the excellent coaches and management at Wasps throughout the year.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Wasps, Bath, England and the supporters for your help and support since Sunday.

"I am determined to come back from the injury a better player, both physically and mentally."

Flutey honoured

Cipriani was also nominated in the PRA player of the year catergory, an honour that ended up going to his club colleague Riki Flutey.

A New Zealander who will soon qualify to play for England, Flutey has enjoyed a stellar season with Wasps since joining them from London Irish last year.

"It's a fantastic honour to win this award," he said. "To be recognised like this by other players across the Premiership is massive for me.

"It's been awesome having the opportunity to play in a new position at 12 and I've really enjoyed my season playing there."

Jason Robinson received the PRA O2 Special Merit Award for his outstanding contribution to rugby, while Jason Leonard and Richard Hill were inducted into the PRA HSBC Hall of Fame.