SHOCKED Sione Kalamafoni cannot believe he has claimed the clean sweep of player of the season awards in his maiden Gloucester campaign.
The 24-year-old Tongan powerhouse completed an impressive treble by landing Wednesday night's player of the year gong at Gloucester's end-of-season dinner at Kingsholm.
The wrecking-ball loose-forward added that accolade to the Gloucester supporters' and the Shedweb player of the year awards.
The former Nottingham battering ram said he did not even expect to win the supporters' vote, let alone any other plaudits.
Kalamafoni's raw ball-carrying power and his industrious approach have quickly endeared him to the Cherry and Whites supporters.
But allied to being an immediate cult hero, he also delivers huge end-product.
A litany of crocked defenders still lie in his destructive trail, at the end of his first Premiership campaign.
Kalamafoni has carried the ball twice more than any other Gloucester player this term, a startling statistic in itself.
Despite his huge impact, the imposing South Sea Islander said he had no idea anyone would be singling him out for praise.
Humbled Kalamafoni explained: "I didn't expect any of this.
"I've just tried to come in, work hard and make an impression.
"But none of that has been about me on my own, we're all fighting hard to make progress as a squad and a club.
"I'm not someone to push myself forward for recognition, I just like to keep pushing myself to do my best.
"I just hope I can keep getting better.
"It's a massive honour for me, I still can't believe any of it, but I am extremely proud and grateful that people could think me worthy."
Kalamafoni buried his face in his hands in surprise when he was announced as the supporters' player of the season after Gloucester's 28-23 Saracens victory on Saturday, April 20.
Expecting Akapusi Qera to claim the title, Kalamafoni said he was completely stunned by the decision of the Kingsholm fans. The unassuming flanker admitted he was nervous about speaking in front of the crowd, but was glad to say a heartfelt thanks to the Cherry and Whites faithful for their unstinting support.
He continued: "I was just standing there wanting to get this thing over with, to get into the changing room because I was so tired after a seriously tough match.
"And I didn't expect it at all. I thought it might be Q, and in my mind I thought he had been playing well this season.
"I thought it was going to be him, but I didn't expect anything for myself.
"I'm a shy person, especially to speak in front of the crowd in my second language. I always get nervous in front of the crowd.
"As I walked up to receive the award, I told the announcer Graham Spring, 'Just ask me one simple question please'. And he did, so that was a relief!
"To be the focus of the crowds, that makes me a little shy.
"I haven't really played that much of professional rugby week-in, week-out, this is my second club like that.
"And coming to Kingsholm, the crowd has completely knocked me out.
"They always get themselves going, and get you going too, through the game. It's an amazing atmosphere."
