Esher College awarded its annual sports person of the year award to a rugby mad second year student.

The award was presented in memory of Charlie O’Donoghue, an Esher College student who died in 2003, after he fell on to a railway line in New Malden after a night out at Oceana.

Sam Druce was handed the trophy by Dan Dean, principal of the college, after a nomination for his dedication to the Esher College rugby team.

Russell Tomlin, head of physical education and sport, said: “Sam exhibits all the qualities that we look for when presenting this special award.

“His passionate and committed approach to driving the team on during his two years with us has been a joy to watch.

“Sam is an extremely good rugby player and we have high hopes for him taking his level of performance forward and into the professional game.”