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Christian Wade makes history at Rugby Players' Association awards

Wade makes history at RPA awards
© PA Photos
London Wasps winger Christian Wade becomes the first individual to be named both Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year at the Rugby Players' Association awards.

London Wasps winger Christian Wade has become the first individual to be named both Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year at the Rugby Players' Association awards.

The 22-year-old touched down 12 times in the Aviva Premiership last season, making him the competition's joint leading try-scorer, alongside teammate Tom Varndell.

Jonny Wilkinson is the only other player to have won both RPA awards, however he received the honours in different years - taking the young player trophy in 1999 before scooping the main award in 2003.

"I didn't know that," said Wade. "I am really shocked and humbled. When it is the players who you play week-in, week-out it makes it that more special. It is the greatest feeling to have the respect of your peers.

"Looking at the quality of the nominees in both awards I didn't expect to win and I am thankful to come out on top."

Leicester Tigers flanker Julian Salvi and Saracens prop Mako Vunipola came second and third respectively in the Players' Player category.

Vunipola was the runner-up in the Young Player poll, while his brother, Billy, came third.

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London Wasps' Christian Wade scores his team's first try against Saracens on March 30, 2013
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