The alternative Welsh rugby awards of the year

The current season is almost over, after another long and interesting year in Welsh rugby

Another long season in Welsh rugby is nearing the end.

Well, as much as these things really end. As soon as the finishing touches have been put on the 2023/24 campaign, Wales will be heading to Twickenham for a clash with the Springboks before travelling to Australia for two Tests against the Wallabies.

But, as we near the finishing straight, maybe it’s time to take a moment and look back on the season and pick out some award winners.

So without further ado, here are your alternative Welsh rugby awards for the 2023/24 season…

(We’ll start somewhat serious before getting a little silly later on.)

Team of the year: Ospreys

Llandovery are certainly deserving of a shout, having been the dominant force in Welsh club rugby this season. Having won the Premiership last year, they topped the league this time around and won the Premiership Cup against Merthyr.

After beating Cardiff in the semi-finals, Euros Evans’ side are on course to defend their crown and head into a new era with a league and cup double.

However, in a year of cost-cutting at the regional level, the Ospreys have delivered some positivity amongst the calamity. Welsh rugby’s kitchen currently has an abundance of wooden spoons, but it’s Toby Booth’s side keeping alive the hope of any silverware.

Having reached the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, they’re in the mix for a URC play-off place.

Player of the year: Morgan Morris

Given the circumstances last year, when the game was gripped by uncertainty, it’s perhaps unsurprising that many of the standout performers this year have been new faces.

But it’s the perennially overlooked Morgan Morris who remains a walking man-of-the-match machine.

Ospreys coach Booth admits he’ll never tire of seeing the countless portraits of Morris around Llandarcy for each of the player of the season awards he’s won in recent campaigns.

Test player of the year: Aaron Wainwright