Exiled England flanker Jack Willis succeeded France scrum-half Antoine Dupont as the French Top 14's player of the season for 2024/2025 on Monday.

Willis claimed the award having helped Toulouse to a record-extending 24th French title with Dupont out injured, scoring two tries in June's final.

Willis, 28, pipped his team-mate Thomas Ramos, who kicked 24 points in last season's Top 14 decider, and Bayonne's Fiji centre Sireli Maqala to the award.

"I've been lucky to win tonight but I think a lot of people in the team could have won it," Will said.

"All the 23 from the final, semi-final, during the season, all deserved to be here.

"I voted for Thomas, but Thomas voted for (Bordeaux-Begles fly-half) Matthieu Jalibert," he added jokingly.

Willis joined Toulouse in 2022 after Wasps went into administration but is now unable to add to his 15 England caps as he plays his club rugby abroad.

"It wasn't easy when I arrived, Wasps had no money, it went quick," Willis told reporters.

"I was given an opportunity to play for six months first up, I'm very grateful to Toulouse for the incredible opportunity.

"Now three years later it hasn't turned out too bad," he added after the ceremony at the glamorous L'Olympia theatre in central Paris.

- Barnstorming Bielle-Biarrey -

The back-rower became the first English winner since ex-Montpellier No 8 Zach Mercer in 2022, with Dupont having secured the prize each year since then.

Bordeaux-Begles winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey took the France international award having blitzed to 12 tries in eight Tests last season as Les Bleus lifted the Six Nations Grand Slam.

RTL

Louis Bielle-Bairrey (R) next to Antoine Dupont (C) with the Six Nations trophy / © AFP/File

Bielle-Biarrey's barnstorming campaign took his fame to new heights, becoming the latest poster boy of French rugby, behind Dupont.

"I don't put that much importance on scoring tries and statistics," Bielle-Biarrey said.

"My game is not just about scoring tries.

"There are other things that make a good winger.

"I pay attention to it but it's not my main concern," he added.

Toulon winger Gael Drean scooped the breakthrough player of the season award while Montauban full-back Jerome Bosviel claimed the Pro D2 prize having guided the club to promotion to the Top 14.

No 8 Teani Feleu clinched the France women's player of the season gong after Les Bleues finished fourth the Rugby World Cup.

Record television audience watched Les Bleues during the tournament, won by hosts England in front of 82,000 people at Twickenham last month.

"We're finally seeing a change," Feleu said.

"It gives you energy to do more, it's only a positive thing and will increase the standard of play in France," she added.

Bordeaux lock Madoussou Fall-Raclot won the Elite 1 award having helped her club to a third-straight league triumph.