Shaw has been in magnificent form this season

The award comes a day after Shaw played a major role as Wasps won the Heineken Cup, beating Toulouse 27-20.

Bath's Olly Barkley took the young player award to add to his success at last week's Professional Rugby Players' Association awards ceremony.

Northampton's Bruce Reihana - who won last week's player's player of the year award - won the overseas player award.

Bath boss John Connolly was named rugby director of the year, with Gloucester lock Alex Brown winning Premiership try of the season following his touchdown against Leicester in early January.

The Zurich outstanding contribution award for services to rugby, only previously awarded to Jason Leonard, was won by England's triumphant World Cup captain Martin Johnson.

Shaw originally missed out on selection for England's World Cup squad but was called up as a replacement for Danny Grewcock during the tournament.

Since returning from Australia the 6ft 9in lock has been in outstanding form and he is likely to start for England on this summer's tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Barkley played a major role in Bath's change from relegation candidates last season to potential champions this year.

He finished the RBS Six Nations Championship as England's fly-half, producing assured displays against both Wales and France.

Australian Connolly has masterminded Bath's revival, taking them to next Saturday's Zurich Premiership final.