There were three categories for women in this year’s RPA awards: Women’s Player of the Year, Women’s 7s Player of the Year and the Gain Line Award, the winners were:
Zoe Aldcroft – The Telegraph Women’s Sport England Women’s Player of the Year
Aldcroft said: “I am over the moon to win this, it’s great to win an award but even better when you’re teammates have been voting for you. Everything you do on the pitch is for those guys so it is really special. This is the first time I’ve had consistency in playing, I’ve been injured the last couple of years but this season I’ve really had the chance to make my mark.”
Meg Jones – The England Women’s 7s Player of the Year in association with Mappin & Webb
Jones said: “It’s great to know the girls are backing me. It was a surprise to be honest as the girls that were nominated with me Ellie (Kildunne) and Abbie (Brown) are two phenomenal players who are a huge a part of the team and gel the team really well. So it was a bit of a surprise to me but it is a real honour.”
Jodie Ounsley (England 7s/Sale Sharks) – RPA Vodafone Gain Line Award
Ounsley said: “It means a lot to me, its something I am really passionate about, so I’m very chuffed. Growing up with a disability, I feel I have a fire in my belly to go out and inspire other people, I had the idea of going into schools, because I am a really shy person, so I thought you know what I am going to push myself out of my comfort zone, go into a school and talk about my journey. After that first school talk I was hooked and loved the positive impact it was having. From then on I went into seven more deaf schools and spoke to kids about my journey and tried to inspire them where I can. To see deaf children now taking up rugby because of me is incredible to see. My message to the kids is be yourselves and don’t shy away from what makes you different, embrace yourself.”
