Three Neath players collected awards at the Principality Premiership Presentation Evening for their efforts during the 2016/17 season.Neath’s Kieran Williams received the Best Newcomer award, an accolade previously won amongst others by current Lions Alun Wyn Jones and Taulupe Faletau.

The powerful and skilful centre, who came through Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and Glynneath previously, has impressed in attack and defence this season for the Welsh All Blacks and in Wales U20’s Six Nations campaign, missing out on the World Rugby U20 Championship through injury.

Williams’ team mate, full back Ed Howley collected the Tier Two Player of the Year award. Having joined Neath from Maesteg in January 2016, Howley has gone on to make 47 appearances for the club and scored 309 points last season including 18 tries and representing the Ospreys Regional Select XV.

Merthyr’s Matthew Jarvis (a Neath lad) and Neath’s outgoing wing Aaron Grabham were recognised for scoring the most points (244) and tries (15) for their respective clubs, while Llanelli won the Fairplay Award for the best discipline. Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt picked up the Coach of the Year title and Adam Jones won the Best Referee award.