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Owens, Baxter and Leo among 5 nominees for Rugby Union Writers' Club award
By PA
Exeter’s remarkable double-winning season has been recognised on the list of nominees for the Rugby Union Writers’ Club personality of the year for 2020.
Director of rugby Rob Baxter is one of three non-playing personnel to feature among the five names in contention to win the coveted Pat Marshall Memorial Award, which is currently held by South Africa captain Siya Kolisi.
In 10 years Baxter has transformed Exeter from Gallagher Premiership newcomers to the dominant force in Europe after Racing 92 and Wasps were toppled on successive weekends last season.
Joining Baxter among the nominees is referee Nigel Owens, who became the first official to oversee 100 Tests when France played Italy in the Autumn Nations Cup.
Owens has now retired from international rugby, bringing the curtain down on a 17-year career as one of the game’s most respected referees.
Former Samoa international Dan Leo is also present as recognition for his work in the representation of Pacific Island players, including the release of the eye-opening documentary ‘Oceans Apart’.
Completing the list are Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones and France scrum-half Antoine Dupont.
Jones eclipsed Richie McCaw’s milestone of 148 to become the sport’s most capped player during the Autumn Nations Cup, while Dupont has thrilled audiences with his electric running skills.
The winner will be announced through the media and the RUWC’s Twitter account after the club’s annual dinner in London was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Greats of the game whose names are engraved on the trophy include Gareth Edwards, Bill Beaumont, David Campese, Jonah Lomu, Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O’Driscoll, Maggie Alphonsi and Dan Carter.
Writers, broadcasters and photographers from the club’s 280 members have cast their votes for the Pat Marshall Memorial Award, which has been presented every year since 1976.
The Rugby Union Writers’ Club was founded in January 1960 to further the interests of its members – drawn mainly from the UK, but also from around the world – and the sport of rugby union.
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Latest Comments
True, they need to tackle better, but also Scotland put them under a lot of pressure and 90% of that pressure came from basic errors. Like missing your kick offs, clearing kicks only going 5-10meters. Missing lineout jumpers on the throw etc.
Go to commentsBorthwick was the only person to have stayed with Eddie jones after most left .
So yes man comes to mind and not someone who is a strong character with a vision .
He picked the backroom staff and players and made the decisions to replace players at the crucial moments in the game that transpired to be fatally wrong . He resorted to safety first approach at the death .
Marcus has had to adapt to three no 9,s . Spencer should never have been dropped, as it proved to be .
Fin Smith should have been in the 23 and certainly not Ford .
A clear out is way past time and I do hope Borthwick can see this .
Ugo is rightfully annoyed at the utter wastefulness of the England set up .
We should not be talking like this but enjoying englands success .
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