By Paul Smith 
Will Wand was named as Coventry Rugby’s 2023/24 players’ player-of-the-year at a well-supported event held in the Food Heroes 1874 Club marquee at the Butts Park Arena.
The pacy centre fought off some stiff competition from a number of his teammates to lift the trophy at the end of a season in which he played a huge part in Cov’s top-three Championship finish.
Wand made 23 appearances – 22 of which came as part of the starting line-up – and scored 14 tries.
Noted for his phenomenal work rate, the 22-year-old combined in Cov’s midfield to outstanding effect with Will Rigg prior to his move to Exeter then his replacement Tom Hitchcock.
Wand said he was especially delighted to be the recipient of an award chosen by his peers.
“It really means a lot,” he said. “It has been a fantastic year where we have created a superb environment on and off the pitch.
“We work really hard but have fun as well and I think that shows in our performances.”
Flanker Tom Ball was chosen by Cov’s coaching team as their player-of-the-year. Also aged just 22, Ball has already made more than 50 appearances for his club often as part of a back-row unit containing the more experienced Tiki Nayalo and Matt Kvesic.
Commenting on the choice head coach Alex Rae said Ball has made a huge impact over the course of the season.
“Tom is a man of few words but when he speaks others really listen,” he said.
“His performances have been really consistent all year, he earned a regular place in the team and became one of the stand-out performers.”
Tongan international fly half Pat Pellegrini was named as the supporters’ club player-of-the-year in succession to retirement-bound Will Chudley.
Cov’s no.10 finished the season as the Championship’s leading points scorer after beginning it as a late call-up to the World Cup where he scored a memorable try against double world champions South Africa.
In addition to kicking 169 points in cup and league games Pellegrini claimed six touchdowns to leave him with an impressive aggregate of 199 for the season.
Pellegrini said he was really honoured to receive the award from the Cov fans.
“We have the best supporters in the league,” he said, “and getting an award from them is a real honour.
“We’ve had a great year as a group and it’s been tremendous to be part of it.”
Ryan Hutler’s 71st minute try in Cov’s narrow Premiership Rugby Cup defeat at Gloucester named as try-of-the-season while the popular Brian King was named as clubman-of-the-year.
Tickets for Coventry’s 150th anniversary game against England U20’s on Saturday May 25th are available from: https://www.coventryrugby.co.uk/tickets/matchday-tickets/ or on the gate on the day.
