Jenkins picks up monthly RPA award

By Mark Stevens
11/1/23

Dafydd Jenkins has become the second Exeter Chiefs player this season to win the Rugby Players' Association MVP of the Month.

Team-mate Richard Capstick picked up the award in September and now Jenkins can add his name to the list, which also includes Sale’s Joe Carpenter (October) and Bath’s Ted Hill (November).

The 20-year-old beat off the challenge of Charlie Atkinson (Leicester Tigers), Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Will Joseph (London Irish), Guy Pepper (Newcastle Falcons) and Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks) to land the award for the month of December.

It's already been quite the season for Jenkins, who in November became the youngest-ever player to captain a side in the Gallagher Premiership, when he lead the Chiefs out against London Irish at Sandy Park.

A week later, the Bridgend-born star won his first Test cap for Wales, coming off the bench in their Autumn Nations Series encounter with Georgia.

The whole voting process culminates in the RPA Players' Board picking their 15 Under 23 from the long shortlist. The team will be announced at the RPA Awards 2023 in May. Fans will also get the opportunity to vote for their ultimate XV for the chance of winning an exclusive prize.

Commenting on his award, Jenkins said: “Obviously, I’m very happy to have been named the Player of the Month for December. It’s been a big few months for me, especially making my debut for Wales and captaining the Chiefs for the first time.

“To be recognised for an award like this is obviously very pleasing, but I also have to thank the boys around me who have been class. Without them you are only half as good as a player, so they have to take some of the plaudits for this as well.”