Indigo Group Premiership 2022/23 awards

With another season of Indigo Group Premiership rugby behind us it’s time to reflect on the past nine months or so and recognise those who have excelled this season.

Team of the Season

Following much deliberation over some very difficult choices, and an 83-man shortlist that involved all 13 clubs, the 2022/23 Indigo Group Premiership Team of the Season is;

Congrats to all 15 players and to the seven clubs involved – some feat for a 12-team league. A special mention to Rowan Jenkins who has now made it in consecutive years’.

Try of the Season

There has been some amazing rugby this season, but the best one of the lot has been given to reigning champions Llandovery, more specifically Callum Dodd.

Tough encounter in difficult conditions at times yesterday – this a real ray of sunshine on the grey day! With our tight head Berian Watkins doing his best @SanjayWills impression..
Mlaen i @RFCMerthyr Nos Iau dan y golau, Banc yr Eglwys ar @S4Cchwaraeon!#YmlaenyPorthmyn pic.twitter.com/lmKstZnuYM

— Llandovery RFC (@llandoveryrfc) January 8, 2023

Most Improved Club

A reward for being the most improved is usually a difficult one to award, but this year’s outstanding phoenix from the ashes is Ebbw Vale. Jason Strange’s men finished 11th last season, but ramped it up for a fifth place spot and were in the play-off running up until the penultimate round of fixtures.

A shoutout also worthy for Bridgend who have been one of the best sides in 2023, and if they start next season like they have ended this one, they’ll be in with a shout of silverware next year.

Unsung Hero

Clubs at this level would not be solvent if it weren’t for volunteers giving hundreds of hours of their own time up to contribute to their beloved team. They all deserve an award for their efforts, but there has been one gentleman this year who is deserved of a standout position.

Swansea RFC have Dave Dow.

He does so much, including the programme, the incredible displays in the St Helen’s lounge and he’s working hard on the archive. He stepped back a little due to long Covid, but he has also just published a book on the first twenty seasons of Swansea. He was formally the official photographer.

Coach of the Season

It’s a two-way battle between Cardiff’s Steve Law and Llandovery’s Euros Evans. Both lifted silverware this season. Owing to their presence in both the league and cup final, this year’s Coach of the Year is Steve Law.

Player of the Season

There’ve been many contenders for this award, but it’s down to two men for the final decision. Top try scorer Dewi Cross and title-winning captain Jack Jones. Despite the new record for most tries in a 12-team league season, Jack Jones wins Player of the Season for his tremendous efforts in the dark arts, being the totemic frontman for the maiden title and holding together the Drovers’ set piece. They missed him hugely during his month on the side-lines.

Supporters Team of the Season

Nearly 13,000 votes were cast in the 83-man shortlist polls to determine the Indigo Group Premiership, fans’ Team of the Season.

“Main photo credit”