The award caps of a superb breakthrough season for the 19-year-old, who made his Club debut back in September against Newcastle Falcons. As well as going on to make 19 appearances in the Blue, Black and White this season, he also captained the England U20s to this year’s Six Nations title, winning the Grand Slam in the process.

"It’s such a privilege to win this award and I’m truly blown away by the honour,” said Mercer. “Rugby is about all the hard work you put in during the season, and to be given an opportunity to play the game you love full-time is such an honour. Therefore to be recognised by my fellow players for the way I play is a massive achievement and I’m completely over the moon to have their support.”

To qualify for the RPA Young Player of the Year Award players must have been 23 or under at the start of the season. The other shortlisted players were Ellis Genge, Alex Lozowski, Joe Marchant and Ross Moriarty.

Mercer named RPA Young Player of the Year

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