Lawes presented Pat Marshall Award by the Rugby Union Writers’ Club

Courtney Lawes collected the prestigious Pat Marshall Memorial Award today as the Northampton Saints back rower was voted the outstanding rugby personality of 2023/24 by the Rugby Union Writers’ Club. 

The 35-year-old – who has made 281 Saints appearances to date, as well as 105 Test caps for England prior to his international retirement, and a further five for the British & Irish Lions – collected the gong at the Oval Cricket Ground to become the first English Men's player to win the award since 2017, and only the second Saints player to be awarded the trophy after Saints’ Hall of Famer Pat Lam picked up the prize in 2000. 

Lawes celebrates a splendid season in Black, Green and Gold with yet another gong, with his impressive performances having already earned him the Gallagher Player of the Month of December, the cinch Player of the Month for January, a nomination for the Investec Player of the Year, Saints’ Supporters’ Player of the Season and most-recently a place in the Premiership Rugby Team of the Season.  

The back rower gained 32% of the vote for the Pat Marshall Award, ahead of shortlisted stars Wayne Barnes, Andy Farrell, Siya Kolisi and Jacques Neinaber. 

On collecting the trophy, Lawes said: “It”s a massive honour to receive such a prestigious award. The names on the trophy speak for themselves. 

"I’m incredibly humbled and thankful, and I’m glad the Rugby Writers have enjoyed my career somewhat!”