England's Mercer takes Top 14 player of the year award

Montpellier's English No 8 Zach Mercer was named Top 14 player of the year on Monday after helping his side to their maiden French title last June.

Mercer, 24, featured in all but two of his club's league fixtures, scoring twice, to become the first English winner of the award which started in 2004.

Next season he is set to return to his home country by signing a deal with Gloucester making him eligible for selection at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, held in France.

#NuitDuRugbyLe Meilleur Joueur de TOP 14 2021-2022 est @Mercer8Zach (Montpellier)?? Vainqueur TOP 14?? 26 matchs?? 2 essaisEn association avec @Paramourdurugby / @assurementrugby pic.twitter.com/mQPx4rIwgA

Toulouse scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who won last year's prize, and his France team-mate in La Rochelle No 8 Greg Alldritt, who lifted the European Champions Cup with his outfit, were also on the shortlist.

Dupont was named best international player, after helping France to their first Six Nations Grand Slam since 2010 in March and an impressive victory over New Zealand in November.