Sunday 14 May 2017 13:55, UK
Owen Farrell has been named the EPCR European Player of the Year, capping a wonderful Saturday for the Saracens fly-half.
The 25-year-old therefore becomes the first recipient of the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy, named after the former Munster coach who died suddenly in October.
Farrell had earlier kicked 13 points as Saracens beat Clermont Auvergne 28-17 at Murrayfield to successfully defend the Champions Cup.
Saracens have enjoyed another hugely successful campaign and England goal-kicker Farrell has played an integral part.
He emerged as European Player of the Year from the five-man shortlist which also included his Saracens Maro Itoje (last year's winner), Clermont's Camille Lopez, Leinster's Garry Ringrose and Munster's CJ Stander.
The award is now named after former Munster coach Foley, who died in Paris last October aged 42, just hours before the Irish province were due to play their first European Champions Cup match of the season against Racing 92.
And the former back-row forward was previously a mainstay of the side who helped Munster become a major force in the European game.
With the agreement of the Foley family and Munster, EPCR commissioned a trophy to honour his contribution to European rugby union.
"This is a fitting way to honour Anthony's memory," said EPCR chairman Simon Halliday in a statement.
"He was a great player and a great leader as well as a galvanising force in Munster's European odyssey.
"I would like to thank the Foley family and Munster Rugby for allowing us to create this trophy for now and for the future."
