Harlequins and England legend Nick Easter wins Special Merit award

Harlequins legend, defence coach and former England number 8 Nick Easter has been awarded the 2017 Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) Special Merit Award.

This recognises an outstanding contribution to rugby in England and Easter, who joined Harlequins from Orrell in 2004, chalked up a record 281 appearances for the club.

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During an exceptional career the 38-year-old was a member of the 2011 Harlequins Amlin Challenge Cup winning team and played a crucial role in securing the Club’s first Aviva Premiership title in 2012.

He also won 54 caps for England and played in three Rugby World Cups, including the World Cup final in 2007. Following his retirement from professional rugby in July last year, Nick has been working full-time as Harlequins Defence Coach.

Privileged

He said: “I feel extremely privileged to be announced as the winner of such a prestigious award, it’s a great honour and I must thank the Players’ Board for their kind recognition. I cherished every moment of my rugby career, I was very lucky to play alongside so many outstanding players and in such great teams.”

Damian Hopley, Group CEO of the RPA, said: “Nick’s commitment and dedication to English rugby has been testament to his incredible 13 years as both a professional player and a coach, and it’s fantastic to celebrate his achievements as the 2017 Special Merit Award winner.

“As one of the great characters in English rugby, Nick is highly regarded as one of the hardest working back-rows of his time and his passion and commitment for club and country makes him a deserving winner of this award.”