HUMBLE beginnings at Stroud Rugby Club paved the way to Nick Abendanon being named EPCR European Player of the Year.

The current Clermont full-back has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign for the French outfit and scored a superb try in his side’s recent 24-18 loss to Toulon in the European Champions Cup final.

Abendanon has never forgotten his roots, he said: “I fondly remember my Stroud mini-rugby days with my brother Simon, sister Caroline and poor mum freezing on the sidelines. In the back of my mind there is always a memory of those early days at Stroud.

“Looking back, it’s great to think that those days set up my stall for a future in rugby that only dreams are made of.

“I am extremely proud of my achievements and I raise a glass to all those juniors starting their rugby at Stroud and I hope that I can be a small inspiration of what might lie ahead for them with dedication, enjoyment and fair play.”

The 28-year-old, former Beaudesert Park student, started all of Clermont’s nine European matches this season and fought off competition from fellow nominees Steffon Armitage (Toulon), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), Fritz Lee (Clermont) and Billy Vunipola (Saracens) to win the award.

Abendanon added: “It’s obviously a huge honour to receive this accolade, especially with the great players who have received it in years past.

“I want to thank everyone involved at Clermont for the help, support and character shown throughout the year.

“I realise that this is an individual award but it is, for me, a recognition of the players around me who have shown such resolve and endeavour during a tough European season.

The announcement will give further ammunition to those who believe Abendanon should be included in England’s 45-man training squad, which is announced later this month.

Abendanon has suffered from England’s current selection policy which says players who play for clubs overseas should only be picked in “exceptional circumstances”.

Stroud Rugby is hosting a recreational touch rugby eight-week tournament.

Matches start on Friday, May 29. Anyone over 16 is welcome to play. For more information e-mail: touch@stroudrugby.co.uk