The flanker received a rousing reception from the near-1,000 strong audience in a special marquee on the main pitch, receiving the awards from sponsors Steffans Northampton (Supporters’ Player) and Carlsberg UK (Players’ Player) respectively, and Clark took time to thank both the rest of the squad and the club’s supporters.
“I’m overwhelmed,” he said. “Being named Players’ Player is a huge accolade. They see what you do every day. There are people from across the world and from different cultures, but we come together to make a team. We go out there and do our bit for each other, and it’s special to be a part of that. To be recognised as someone they value is special.
“Then to be named Supporters’ Player is immense. I’m at a top class club with top class talent, and I can’t say how privileged and honoured I am to be the Supporters’ Player of the Season.”
Mike Haywood took home the Young Player of the Season Award, sponsored by Norman Ewing Associates, while George North’s score against Gloucester on the opening day of the Aviva Premiership campaign was voted the Try of the Season, sponsored by Trevor Dighton.
Other awards handed out included club caps to Luther Burrell, Gareth Denman, Sam Dickinson, Kahn Fotuali’i, Salesi Ma’afu, Ben Nutley and James Wilson, 100-appearance cufflinks to Mike Haywood, Samu Manoa, George Pisi and Tom Wood, and 200-appearance cufflinks to Lee Dickson and Dylan Hartley.
David Stock was named Clubman of the Year for his commitment and support to the Saints’ medical staff, former Northampton School for Boys teacher Norman Barker received the inaugural Northampton Rugby Spirit Award, while David Powell’s 50-year association with the club was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement award.
