But the 20-year-old Wasps fly-half was not able to collect his award in person after suffering a dislocated fracture of his right ankle in Sunday's Guinness Premiership semi-final win over Bath.

The injury was a wretched way for Cipriani to end a glittering season, in which he ousted Jonny Wilkinson as England fly-half and earned unprecedented nominations in both main categories for the PRA and Guinness Premiership awards.

The PRA player of the year award was won by Cipriani's Wasps team-mate Riki Flutey, with Bath centre Olly Barkley in second place and Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel third.

Cipriani said: ''I am privileged to have been nominated for both players' awards. To have been voted the PRA Mercedes-Benz young player of the year by my fellow players is a huge honour and it means a lot to me.

''It wouldn't have been possible without the talented players around me and the continued advice and support from the excellent coaches and management at Wasps throughout the year.

''I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Wasps, Bath, England and the supporters for your help and support since Sunday.

''I am determined to come back from the injury a better player, both physically and mentally.''

Cipriani was released from London's Lister Hospital yesterday after undergoing surgery on his ankle and initial estimates suggest he will be sidelined for up to six months.

He is definitely out of Wasps' Premiership final date with Leicester and England's summer tour to New Zealand - but a leading arthroscopic surgeon believes Cipriani could be back in time for the November internationals.

Simon Moyes said: ''I would expect him to commence an early and aggressive rehabilitation programme to reduce swelling in the joint and to get range of movement back as quickly as possible.

''I personally would expect him to return at three months rather than at six months.''

But Moyes did add: ''There is a small chance of there being some permanent damage here.''

Flutey, a New Zealander who will qualify for England in September and is keen to pull on the red rose, follows another Kiwi, Glenn Jackson, in claiming the top prize.

Flutey moved to Wasps from London Irish last summer and has been integral to the club's post-World Cup surge up the table and into the Premiership final.

Flutey said: ''It's a fantastic honour to win this award.

''To be recognised like this by other players across the Premiership is massive for me.

''It's been awesome having the opportunity to play in a new position at 12 and I've really enjoyed my season playing there.''

At a gala dinner attended by 1,100 people, Jason Robinson received the PRA O2 Special Merit Award for his outstanding contribution to rugby.

Robinson's former England team-mates Jason Leonard and Richard Hill were inducted into the PRA HSBC Hall of Fame.

Former England international and retiring BBC rugby commentator Alistair Hignell was awarded the PRA Towergate Blyth Spirit Award for his ''remarkable courage in battling with the debilitation of MS and for his tremendous contribution to rugby as both player and broadcaster''.

PRA Computacenter Rugby Players’ Awards 2008

PRA Computacenter Players’ Player of the Year
1)  Riki Flutey - London Wasps
2)  Olly Barkley - Bath Rugby
3)  James Simpson-Daniel - Gloucester

PRA Mercedes-Benz Young Player of the Year - Nick Duncombe Memorial Award
1)  Danny Cipriani - London Wasps
2)  Danny Care - Harlequins
3)  James Haskell - London Wasps

PRA o2 Special Merit Award
Jason Robinson

PRA HSBC Hall of Fame Induction
Richard Hill and Jason Leonard

The PRA Blyth Spirit Award sponsored by Towergate tlc
Alistair Hignell

PRA Sunday Times Try of the Year
Matt Banahan - Bath Rugby v  London Irish (22.3.08)

PRA Premier Rugby Highlight of the Season
London Wasps eight match unbeaten run in the league catapults them from eighth to third, including a first ever win at Welford Road.