England star Jonny Wilkinson has been named players’ player of the year at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

Gloucester's Jake Boer, formerly of London Irish, has been voted the Zurich Premiership Player of the Season by a mixture of broadcast and print journalists.

ENGLAND Grand Slam stars Richard Hill and Jonny Wilkinson are among five players nominated for one of British rugby’s most prestigious prizes.

Gloucester captain Phil Vickery today insisted his Premiership leaders had taken collective responsibility for their Heineken Cup horror show in Limerick last weekend.

FORMER England fullback Nick Beal is under no illusions what to expect when Northampton tackle Ulster in the crunch Pool 6 tie at Ravenhill this evening (7.05).

Former Wallaby Peter Jorgensen has been selected in the starting XV for Friday night’s big match against Ulster at Ravenhill after scoring the match-winning try against Biarritz on Saturday.

England internationals Matt Dawson and Ben Cohen have given Northampton a huge Heineken Cup boost by being passed fit for Saturday’s crucial home clash against Biarritz.

Northampton coach Wayne Smith has rung the changes for tomorrow’s Zurich Premiership clash against leaders Gloucester in the wake of the pre-Christmas Powergen Cup shocker at Second Division Orrell.

Cardiff 0 Northampton 31

Ulster are facing up to a major problem as they look to resurrect their Heineken Cup hopes following their 32-9 defeat at Northampton today after Ireland international fly-half suffered an ankle injury.

Northampton 32 Ulster 9

World Cup winner Brendan Venter saw his London Irish heroes paint Twickenham green and then declared: ‘‘It doesn’t get much better than this.’’

London Irish winger Justin Bishop is aiming to push himself into the Six Nations frame over the Festive season.