Welsh rugby's player of the year announced as star joins legends

12:00, 16 Sep 2026Updated 08:39, 17 Sep 2026

Rhys Carre has been named Wales men's player of the year by the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association.

The Saracens prop enjoyed a fine year, earning a Test recall under Steve Tandy ahead of last year's autumn internationals. Having forced his way back into the side, he scored five tries in 11 Tests - including a memorable solo score against Ireland in Dublin.

At the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association awards on Tuesday, which was supported by broadcasters Premier Sports, Carre joined a list of honour comprised of some of Welsh rugby's finest.

The likes of Sir Gareth Edwards, Barry John, JPR Williams, Phil Bennett, Jonathan Davies, Scott Gibbs, Ieuan Evans, Neil Jenkins, Rob Howley, Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny and Alun Wyn Jones are all previous winners.

Jac Morgan has won the award twice in recent years, winning it in 2023 and 2025.

However, following his Wales recall, Carre was handed the top prize - becoming the first prop to win it since Gethin Jenkins in 2009.

"It’s a bit surreal. I didn’t think this would be something I could achieve,’ said Carre. ‘It’s pretty cool and I just feel honoured that the Welsh rugby media think I deserve it."

On his try, he said: "It’s a special memory. There aren’t many Welsh people around where I live in St Albans, but there are a few and if I bump into them, people want to shake my hand and say congratulations.

"They say “thank you for scoring that try. You gave me a good memory on that night.”

‘Since I came back into the Wales squad last autumn, we’ve been in a rebuilding stage but I think we've shown good, steady progression since then in the 11 games I’ve been involved in. We're showing the people of Wales we're slowly getting better and we're becoming more competitive in games. It takes a while for a team to come together.

"In the Six Nations, we improved in every game. If I keep going the way I'm going, I'll be happy. It'd be good to hopefully get to the World Cup. It's been eight years since my first one, which is crazy to say. If I make it, it'll be one of those things that I'll look forward to and give my all."

He added: "I’m hoping I can carry on from where I left off last year,’ said Carre. ‘Leicester is going to be a tricky first game with Saracens and that's my aim at the moment. When the autumn comes around, I'll put my best foot forward for that.

"I wouldn’t say I’ve changed a lot in my game. 'I’ve just tried to do what I’ve always done a bit more. I want to get my hands on the ball in system as much as possible. I’ve worked closely with the Wales coaches to do that."

The Wales women’s player of the year gong was handed to Courtney Keight after being a constant in Sean Lynn's side.

"It’s such a nice feeling to know that if you work hard, you can get to where you want to go," said Keight. "Going to university I knew I wanted to try something different and be in an environment where I was challenged and accepted – rugby was exactly that."

The young player of the year awards went to Steffan Emanuel and Seren Lockwood, while Canada international Sion Parry of Ebbw Vale was named Super Rygbi Cymru player of the year.

19-year-old Lockwood enjoyed a breakthrough season with Wales women, saying: "I feel as though all the hard work I’ve put in is paying off.

"To be part of such a special squad is amazing, and we’re constantly pushing each other to better places. I’m so lucky I’ve had the pathway to go through to be where I am today."

Super Rygbi Cymru Player of the Year – Sion Parry (Ebbw Vale)

Wales Men's Young Player of the Year – Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff & Wales Under-20)

Wales Women’s Young Player of the Year – Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder & Wales Women)

Liza Burgess award for Wales Women's Player of the Year – Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks Women & Wales Women)

Lloyd Lewis award for Wales men's Player of the Year – Rhys Carre (Saracens & Wales)