NEWCASTLE'S remarkable season has been recognised by claiming two major gongs at the Premiership Rugby Awards.

Vereniki Goneva was last night named player of the season by a judging panel to win the latest award of an outstanding 2017-18 campaign having already taken the players' player of the year and Falcons player of the year.

The 34-year-old Fijian wing has scored 13 Premiership tries this season, making him joint highest try scorer, and has been a key factor in Newcastle's unexpected climb into the play-offs.

He beat fellow nominees Danny Cipriani of Wasps, Exeter's Don Armand, Faf De Klerk of Sale and Northampton's Jamie Gibson.

Dean Richards, the Falcons' boss, has also been recognised at the annual gala event in London by claiming the director of rugby of the year award.

Speaking about Goneva, Richards said: ``Niki is a very humble guy who will take no pleasure in being singled out for an individual award, although clearly he will be honoured to receive this accolade.

``Even in a season like we are having it is hard not to single him out when he has performed to such a consistently high level throughout.''

``He defies the ageing process with the physical condition he keeps himself in and he is a phenomenal athlete.''

Sinoti Sinoti's score against Exeter in round 13 was voted by the public as try of the season, to complete a hat-trick of awards for Newcastle.

Exeter's England number eight Sam Simmonds was named discovery of the season.