James Bell has won the Scotland Player of the Year Award for 2018. The New Zealand Warriors player receives the Dave Valentine Award for his performances throughout the European Championships.

Bell who missed the first game due to injury came into the side against Wales and powered over for a try and was outstanding in that game and against France the following week.

Joint Head Coach John Duffy had this to say about Bell

Over the moon James has won the award, he was an absolute pleasure to coach and great around the group especially with the young boys that debuted for us. His performances speak for themselves, really aggressive defensively and smart with the ball along with playing 80 mins v France and 65 mins v Wales. Can’t wait to work with him again

Bell who made his debut against Tonga at last year’s World Cup was a key player in this year’s young squad.This set a great example to the squad and shows his desire to play for Scotland.

Bell won the award ahead of Students Player of the Year Nick Glohe who made his debut against Ireland, also receiving votes were Ben Kavanagh, Davey Dixon, David Scott and Billy McConnachie