#2. Alex Coles (Northampton)
During the 2021/22 season, Coles took on the captain’s armband for the first time – leading the side against London Irish and Harlequins in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
A successful campaign (in which Saints qualified for the Premiership play-offs) ended with Coles making 29 appearances and being named Breakthrough Player of the Season at the Club’s annual awards ceremony.
And Coles’ reward for his stellar performances would come in the form of an England call-up and three caps in the Red Rose during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series.
