Glasgow Warriors boss Franco Smith has been named BKT United Rugby Championship Coach of the Season.
The South African claimed the honour having brought the Warriors to the quarter-finals of the URC in his debut season, while they also reached the final of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The former Italy head coach arrived at Scotstoun last summer to replace Danny Wilson, who was sacked after a humiliating 76-14 defeat to Leinster in last year's quarter-finals.
The Warriors finished fourth in the regular season of the URC, going unbeaten at home while also winning the Scottish x Italian Shield, and playing a brand of attacking, exciting rugby.
Their play-off form didn't live up to their regular season however, losing their unbeaten home record to Munster, who have gone on to reach this weekend's final.
The Scottish side also reached their first European final, coming up short against Toulon in the Challenge Cup decider at the Aviva Stadium last Friday.
"This is season one for this group. This is not the end for us, this is just the start. It's a stepping stone," Smith said.
The coach of the season award was voted for by the league's 16 head coaches/directors of rugby, with Leinster's Leo Cullen having won the prize in 2022.
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