A RUGBY player in West Cumbria has proven to be very popular this season, winning the Our League Entertainer of the Year Award.

Lachlan Walmsley, who played for Whitehaven RLFC, became a fan favourite this year and is seeing the appreciation for his work in full force.

Lachlan spoke to us about what it means to him to have reached such an achievement and shared his delight.

Mr Walmsley said: "It's an honour to have been nominated, let alone win it, I certainly didn't expect it.

"I'm very grateful to the people who voted for me and my team mates who helped me to win it.

"I haven't had a lot of time to think about it, it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"But I'm pleased to have won it and it's a nice accolade to have."

Lachlan said that he believes that he has won the award because of the tries he's been able to score this year.

But he said that the main reason is because of the help of his team mates - and says that without them he wouldn't have been able to get it done.

He explained that he has had a wonderful year at Whitehaven and he's made a lot of good friends in the town and met some really nice people.

Head Coach Gary Charlton was also nominated for Coach of the Year but unfortunately did not clinch the gong.

Lachlan has been playing for Whitehaven since November 2020 but now is looking to move clubs to Halifax.

A spokesperson from Whitehaven RLFC said: "The club are delighted that the excellent rugby we have played this year has been recognised, with Lachlan winning the award.

"It takes a team to build that platform to afford a finisher the chance to score, and in Lachlan we have been treated to a finisher of the highest quality.

"He was up against some great players for the award, so it speaks volumes for his quality that he has won this award."