Manoa does the double at Saints’ awards night

There was also recognition for 20-year-old wing Jamie Elliott, who claimed the young player of the year gong, and Tom May, who won try of the season for a score at London Welsh.

Manoa, though, was the main attraction, as he was rewarded for a sensational campaign in the green, black and gold.

The double award win capped a rapid rise to prominence for the Concord-born player, who has made a huge impact since moving to Northampton from San Francisco Golden Gate in 2011.

Manoa was man of the match in the Aviva Premiership play-off semi-final win at Saracens on Sunday.

And in both of his acceptance speeches at the awards night, 24 hours later, he expressed his desire to help Saints go all the way by beating Leicester Tigers at Twickenham on May 25.

Jim Mallinder, Tom Wood and Dylan Hartley also stated their intent to become champions on a passion-fuelled night at Franklin’s Gardens.