WESTERN Province rugby club captain Luke Watson was yesterday named the side's players' player of the year and best forward at a glittering function in Newlands, Cape Town.

WESTERN Province rugby club captain Luke Watson was yesterday named the side's players' player of the year and best forward at a glittering function in Newlands, Cape Town.

He achieved this two days after winning the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division player of the year award on Monday night.

Flanker Francois Louw received both awards on behalf of Watson, who has already left to join his new team Bath in England.

Team manager Chippie Solomon said Watson was elected by the majority of the senior players in a secret ballot. This was in recognition of his immense contribution to the team.

Solomons did not hide his feelings regarding Watson' s departure: "As a player and captain, Watson will be sorely missed by the players, management and the supporters. He has left a vacuum and will always be remembered for his remarkable leadership on and off the field."

Fullback Joe Pietersen received the award for best backline player while Juan De Jongh was crowned most promising senior player of the year.

The award caps a sensational season for De Jongh, with the young centre setting the Currie Cup alight and being rewarded with a place on the Springbok tour to Europe. Western Province ended the Absa Currie Cup standings at No 2 behind the Sharks, and were beaten by the Blue Bulls in the semifinal last month at Newlands.