NEUCHATEL, Switzerland — Clermont Auvergne fullback Nick Abendanon has been named the European club rugby player of the season, the third straight year an Englishman at a French club has received the award.
In his first season with Clermont, Abendanon started in all nine of its European Cup matches, and scored a brilliant solo try in the 24-18 loss to Toulon in the final on Saturday at Twickenham.
He was shortlisted for the award with four loose forwards; last year’s recipient, Toulon’s Steffon Armitage, Clermont teammate Fritz Lee, Leinster’s Jamie Heaslip, and Saracens’ Billy Vunipola.
"I realize that this is an individual award but it is, for me, a recognition of the players around me who have shown such resolve and endeavour during a tough European season," said Abendanon, capped twice for England at 20, eight years ago.