Richmond Women’s forward Laura Kapo has been named the 2019 Women’s Player of the Year at the National Rugby Awards at Twickenham Stadium on Thursday night.

The prop, who is versatile in a number of positions, including back-row and centre, has been rewarded for her exceptional performances for Richmond Women during the 2018/19 season and her excellent contribution and dedication to the club.

On receiving her award, Kapo said: “It was an amazing feeling to be nominated for this award but to actually win it means a huge amount. It’s been a really difficult journey to get to this point but I am so thankful to everyone who has been there to support me.”

Kapo has been a consistent and hugely popular member of the Richmond family since she first joined the club as a 17-year-old in 2002. Moving swiftly through the ranks, she soon became a regular First XV player, and an integral part of the team, winning both the Women’s Premiership and the Women’s Senior Cup in 2015/16.

She has now made a remarkable 287 appearances for the club.

Whilst her on-field achievements have been outstanding, it’s her dedication off the pitch which highlights her incredible attitude to the game. Kapo has been a regular volunteer, helper and supporter of Richmond Rugby for more than 15 years. The current club Chairwomen, a position she has held since 2015/16, she continues to be an excellent role model for all Richmond players, and an outstanding ambassador for our club.