- Saracens rugby player Billy Vunipola has been announced as the winner of the 2013/14 Land Rover Discovery of The Season award for his performances in the Aviva Premiership
- Vunipola formed part of a shortlist of six players judged to have been the most impressive young players in the Aviva Premiership this season.
- Nominees for the award had to be 22 years old or younger on the 1st September 2013 and must have played at least five premiership games this season.
- Land Rover has a long history of involvement with Rugby including Rugby World Cup 2015, The British & Irish Lions, Premiership Rugby and the grassroots programme, the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup.
16th May 2014 ‑ Saracens player, Billy Vunipola last night claimed the prestigious title of Land Rover Discovery of The Season at last night's Aviva Premiership Rugby awards. Vunipola was presented with his award by Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover UK.
This Land Rover Discovery of The Season award is designed to recognise the most impressive young player in the Aviva Premiership each season and reward them for their outstanding contribution to the competition. Vunipola follows in the footsteps of some special talents; previous winners have included Owen Farrell and Manu Tuilagi with Joe Launchbury claiming the title last year. To celebrate Vunipola's achievement, he will have the opportunity to become a Land Rover ambassador.
This year's winner was decided by a panel of judges; however Vunipola had to fend off stiff competition from a strong shortlist of nominees, which included George Ford and Anthony Watson of Bath Rugby, Gloucester's Elliot Stooke, Northampton Saints winger Jamie Elliott and Owen Williams of Leicester Tigers.
Vunipola has realised the potential that made him such a coveted acquisition from London Wasps at the end of last season. Vunipola has gone on to be one of the Premiership's standout players and delivered in all competitions the London club have been involved in; so much so, that Stuart Lancaster deployed him to great effect during England's recent Six Nations campaign.
Vunipola commented: "I am shocked but incredibly pleased to have won the award. There were some really strong names in the running; who have all had impressive seasons, so to win is a great achievement. I have had a good season and learnt a great deal from the players around me, so to cap it off with this award is very special. It is going to be exciting getting the opportunity to work with Land Rover and one I am looking forward to."
Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover UK added: "Billy has had an outstanding season with Saracens and is fully deserving of his award. At Land Rover we are proud to support rugby at all levels, from grassroots all the way up to the elite game. Identifying players who make a contribution, as Billy has this season, is incredibly important."
ENDS
For further information log onto www.uk.media.landrover.com or contact:
Jessica Rumboll
Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 564 258
M: 07880 177 300
E: jrumboll@landrover.com
Kim Palmer
Senior Press Officer, Land Rover UK
T: 02476 564 129
M: 07795 666169
E: kpalmer@landrover.com
Michael White
Communications Manager, Fast Track
M: 077552 289 239
E:michael.white@fasttrackagency.com
Editors Note:
- Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability across the model range. Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors. Land Rover products are currently sold in approximately 180 global markets.
- Jaguar Land Rover is committed to making a positive contribution to society. Through our Global Corporate Social Responsibility programme, we are Advancing Knowledge and Improving Lives with investment in health, humanitarian and environmental projects. Ultimately, our goal is to bring positive change to the lives of 12 million people worldwide by 2020.
- Land Rover is Worldwide Partner and the Official Vehicle of Rugby World Cup 2015 and Official Vehicle of Premiership Rugby
- The award winning HITZ programme tackles some of the greatest challenges facing young people today ‑ unemployment, crime and disillusionment. Delivered nationally by Premiership Rugby and funded by national partners Barclays, Comic Relief, Land Rover and Wooden Spoon, HITZ uses rugby to increase young people's resilience, self‑reliance and confidence. It gives them the skills to get back into education, vocational training, apprenticeships and employment. HITZ gives those with no hope new hope. Please visit hitzrugby.com to find out more.
- The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup is the first national grassroots tournament officiated by Premiership Rugby and run in conjunction with all 12 Premiership clubs across the country. Launched in the 2008‑09 season, Land Rover and each Premiership club host mini rugby teams from the surrounding region to participate in the festivals. The winners from each festival take part in a Parade of Champions at Twickenham in the Aviva Premiership Final.