Volkswacht Bodensee - Exiled Willis succeeds Dupont as Top 14 player of the season

Willis claimed the award having helped Toulouse to a record-extending 24th French title with Dupont out injured, scoring two tries in June's final.

The 28-year-old joined Toulouse in 2022 after Wasps went into administration but is unable to add to his 15 England caps as he plays his club rugby abroad.

Willis pipped his team-mate Thomas Ramos, who kicked 24 points last season's Top 14 decider, and Bayonne's Fiji centre Sireli Maqala to the award.

"I want to thank all my team-mates," Willis said.

"They're not just great players but great guys.

"The past three years have been a dream for me," he added.

The back-rower became the first English winner since ex-Montpellier No 8 Zach Mercer in 2022, with Dupont having secured the prize each year since then.

Bordeaux-Begles winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey took the France international award having blitzed to 12 tries in eight Tests last season as Les Bleus lifted the Six Nations Grand Slam.

Toulon winger Gael Drean scooped the breakthrough player of the season award while Montauban full-back Jerome Bosviel claimed the Pro D2 prize having guided the club to promotion to the Top 14.

No 8 Teani Feleu clinched the France women's player of the season gong after Les Bleues finished fourth the Rugby World Cup.

Bordeaux lock Madoussou Fall-Raclot won the Elite 1 award having helped her club to a third-straight league triumph.

P.Staeheli--VB