Cardiff Blues lock forward Paul Tito was named as the 2007/08 Player of the Year, sponsored by Worthingtons, in the inaugural Cardiff Blues Gala Dinner held at the Vale Hotel last night.
Hundreds of supporters and sponsors enjoyed a fantastic evening and saw Paul receive the accolade in his first season at the Blues.
The 29-year New Zealander received the most votes from the supporters in our online poll and was delighted to pick up the award before flying home to New Zealand this week.
I am very proud to receive this award. I would like to thank all the fans who voted for me and it means a lot. I would also like to thank them for making me feel so welcome in Wales, said Paul.
It has been a very good season for us, which we hope to build on next year. We will all have a break for the summer before returning to training in June.
"Theres a great atmosphere in the squad at the moment and its nice to be part of something that is really moving forward.
Other awards on the night included Academy Player of the Year, sponsored by Canterbury, which was won by Leigh Halpenny. Leigh has enjoyed a fantastic season with Cardiff RFC, Blues and Wales under 20s and made his regional debut in the win against Ulster last week.
The Most Promising Player of the Year sponsored by Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa resort was picked up by Jamie Roberts, who has been selected in the Wales squad to tour South Africa this summer.
Maama Molitika won the Players Player of the Year award which was sponsored by Tremorfa.
Full list of Awards and nominations (in order presented):
- Academy Player of the Year sponsored by Canterbury
James Down, Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and Sam Hobbs - Most Promising Player of the Year sponsored by Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa
Tom James, Jamie Roberts, Dafydd Hewitt and Dai Flanagan - Players Player of the Year sponsored by Tremorfa
Deiniol Jones, Maama Molitika, John Yapp and Xavier Rush - Player of the Year sponsored by Worthingtons
Xavier Rush, Martyn Williams, Maama Molitika and Paul Tito