Veteran hooker Shota Horie was named the League One MVP on Monday after the evergreen Japan international helped the Saitama Wild Knights claim the inaugural championship.
The 36-year-old made game-changing contributions off the bench for the Wild Knights, offering a strong presence in set-pieces and nimbleness belying his position.
"I'm extremely happy. I have lots of people I have to thank," said Horie. "My movement on the pitch and the speed in launching my jackals have improved from last season."
"I still have a few years left in my rugby career and I'll self-reflect each day to see how much further I can develop."
Horie appreciated "the continuous good performance" from Wild Knights captain and regular hooker Atsushi Sakate, who he normally replaced, in winning the award, before voicing his hope over a role with Japan at the 2023 World Cup in France.
"The World Cup is a special place. I of course hope to better the result from the last tournament," said Horie, who was recently named in an extended squad, having been away from the Brave Blossoms setup since the 2019 tournament in Japan when they reached the last eight for the first time.
It would be his fourth World Cup if he makes the 2023 squad.
Four other Wild Knights players were named in the Best XV including Japan prop Keita Inagaki, who was picked for the eighth straight season, and former England lock George Kruis, while Saitama coach Robbie Deans was named best coach.
Tokyo Sungoliath fullback Damian McKenzie was the top scorer with 191 during the regular season, while Wild Knights center Dylan Riley and Kobe Steelers wing Rakuhei Yamashita were the top try scorers with 11 apiece.