DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK SHARKS forward Tamara Taylor has been named Women’s Premiership Player of the Year.

Taylor, who was part of England’s World Cup-winning side from 2014, has enjoyed a successful season that saw her take over the captaincy of the national side for this year’s Six Nations Championship.

A shortlist of 13 players was circulated to all Women’s Premiership players, with Taylor included alongside Mowden Sharks team-mate Fiona Davidson, who has been in fine form since returning from a serious injury.

Taylor won the vote, and will receive her award before representing England in the Nations Cup in Alberta, Canada, later this summer.

“I’m quite overwhelmed to be voted Premiership Player of the Year,” she said. “I was surprised to be on the shortlist, but to win something that is voted for by the players that I play against every week for DMP Sharks is a real honour.

“I think being voted for by your peers is the greatest award you can get in sport.”