Former Gresham's and Holt youngster Ben Youngs has been named Discovery of the Season at the annual Guinness Premiership awards. The Leicester Tigers scrum-half was third in the category last season, but has since established himself at Welford Road as well as making his debut for England in this season's Six Nations.

Former Gresham's and Holt youngster Ben Youngs has been named Discovery of the Season at the annual Guinness Premiership awards.

The Leicester Tigers scrum-half was third in the category last season, but has since established himself at Welford Road as well as making his debut for England in this season's Six Nations.

Youngs, pictured, has also booked a place in Martin Johnson's summer tour to Australia, before which he will appear in the Guinness Premiership final against Saracens, at Twickenham on Saturday week.

Youngs, who was players' player of the year and supporters' young player of the year at Welford Road this season, said: "I am really happy to win the award.

"The team have been playing well and it is great to be part of that."

Saracens flanker Andy Saull was second, with London Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson third. Forwards Courtney Lawes of Northampton and Sale's James Gaskell were also nominated.

Tigers number eight Jordan Crane won Performance of the Season for his display in the win over Newcastle Falcons while Youngs, Toby Flood and Scott Hamilton were named in the league's Dream Team backline.