Teachers Rugby Club captain Ja’kee Simons and Renegades stalwart Jessica Cassidy were named best male and female players at the Bermuda Rugby Football Union end-of-season awards.

Simons, 22, was rewarded for being the driving force behind Teachers securing another league title, which they accomplished with just one defeat throughout the season.

A player who makes a huge impact in the Teachers attack at centre and fullback, Simons was a standout performer in the league in his second season as Teachers captain and already enjoys the honour of representing Bermuda in both fifteens and sevens rugby.

“It’s great to win men’s player of the year especially at such a young age,’’ Simons said.

“I'm honoured and I appreciate the gesture from everyone who voted and rooted for me.

“It’s always a great feeling when you’re winning awards for your team. As a young captain stepping into this game for a second year now and winning the title with the team, it’s just great.

“It’s indescribable to come this far and be with the team from when you’re young. To lead the team to victories and undefeated seasons is always a great way to end it.

“I just want to keep growing, keep striving with this team and see where rugby goes as a whole. Obviously, rugby is in a tough spot but we’re looking to to improve.”

Cassidy, 39, was instrumental in Renegades winning the women’s league and she also featured for West in their 39-5 triumph over the East in the Scully Cup.

Highly respected within rugby circles, Cassidy is one of the longest-serving players in the league with 15 years of service and has no immediate plans to retire, harbouring the desire to one day play in the same team as her daughter, who is aged only seven.

“It’s really cool for me to win this award,’’ Cassidy told The Royal Gazette.

“I've been playing for a while so it’s nice to come back and feel like I've done something that I guess made the difference.

“I've managed to play this long because it’s a good sport to be involved in. It is so much fun, everybody is supportive, and it’s not something I want to leave.

“I hope to play one day with my daughter. I’m not sure if it’s achievable as she’s only seven so I’ve got a few years to go, at least seven.”

Jordan Mallory of Teachers won the female youth player of the year. The 17-year-old is a student at The Berkeley Institute and a product of the BRFU’s Beyond Rugby initiative.

“I just appreciate getting to win this award because I've never won it before,’’ Mallory said.

“There is no rugby at my school and I got involved in the sport through the Beyond Rugby programme.

“I'm not playing any other sport at school as I really enjoy playing rugby. I've played contact rugby for the Bermuda women’s sevens team.”

Jaime Furtado, from Teachers, won the men’s rookie of the year, with the female accolade given to Akila Craig of Police. Brandon Sangster, of Teachers, was adjudged the male youth player of the year.

Anthony “Church” Cupidore, of Teachers, received the BRFU spirit award. Cupidore, who studied social work at university, has seamlessly blended his academic knowledge with his enduring passion for rugby, dedicating decades to positively impacting the lives of young players.

In addition to his coaching duties at Teachers, Beyond Rugby, and Sunday Rugby, Cupidore also imparts his knowledge and values at Somersfield Academy, cementing his legacy as a mentor and role model in the world of youth rugby development.