And it was also a red-letter Twickenham occasion for Tigers retiring England World Cup captain Martin Johnson, who received the Champion Award following his significant and long-lasting contribution to rugby union.

Leicester and England number eight Corry was named player of the season, seeing off strong competition from fellow nominees Mark Cueto, Ayoola Erinle, Andy Goode, Pat Sanderson and Sebastien Chabal.

Corrys performances were instrumental in Tigers finishing top after the 22-game regular league campaign, which means they will contest the May 14 Premiership final at Twickenham against Wasps or Sale Sharks.

His fellow Lion, centre Smith, won the Land Rover Discovery of the Season Award ahead of Harry Ellis, Chris Bell, Matt Stevens and Mathew Tait, while Wells was acclaimed as O2 Director of Rugby in a category that also saw Warren Gatland (Wasps), Philippe Saint-Andre (Sale Sharks) and Steve Diamond (Saracens) nominated.

Northampton full-back Bruce Reihana received the try of the season award for his score against Bath last September, but Bath were recognised in winning the fair play award as the club receiving the least number of yellow and red cards this term.

England hooker Steve Thompson, meanwhile, won the Powergen Community player of the season award for his commitment to community work and dedication to the sport at several different levels.