By Duncan Wood
May 24 2002

The Bristol Shoguns/ Bristol Rugby Supporters Club Annual Dinner was held at the Memorial Stadium last night. Phil Christophers, Paul Johnstone and Paul Hull were all recipients of awards.

Hearty congratulations to Phil Christophers who was named Player of the Year by the supporters in his first season at the club. Having arrived from Brive last summer, he has been a revelation in the backs and has scored 10 tries from 27 starts and impressed all with his elusive running..

This time last season, he'd only just been announced as a signing for Bristol by Dean Ryan. And, with all due respect, his capture was somewhat overshadowed by the signings of Andrew Higgins and Jason Little. And, of course, he wasn't actually at the press conference because of his university commitments!

He spent last summer on tour with the England U21 team, featured in the England A 6 Nations squad and is now due to make his first England start against the Barbarians at the weekend. He couldn't be there to accept his award because he is with the England squad so Jason Little accepted on his behalf.

Paul Johnstone was awarded the Clubman of the Year trophy by Dean Ryan, a decision which met with approval from both players and supporters.

Paul Hull was also given an award in recognition of his work with the U21s who recently captured their 3rd successive League title and continue their playoff quest on June 2nd at home to Sale Jets at Coombe Dingle. In his absence, Saul Nelson, a graduate from the Academy, accepted the award.