The 2009/10 season was the year that Steffon Armitage finally emerged from the shadow of his older brother Delon.

Since arriving at the club from Saracens in July 2006, Steffon has frequently been compared to his more experienced brother, but last season he put an end to such comparisons, outscoring his sibling by nine tries to three as well as taking over the club's Player of the Season award from Delon at the club's annual awards dinner.

It was just reward for a remarkable season that saw him crash over the tryline eight times in the final nine matches of the campaign; earning him a prestigious nomination for the RPA Player's Player of the Season.

Steffon started his rugby career with Richmond Under 8s, where his desire to be involved was ultimately to shape his decision to play in the back row.

He is one of the few players who have played in the backs and the forwards, and he is as comfortable stepping in at scrum half as he is packing down with the scrum.

Since his arrival in Sunbury, Steffon has impressed with his aggression and competitiveness on the pitch, matched with an enthusiastic and determined approach to training.

When his family moved to France he played for Nice before returning to Devon and Ivybridge Community College.

After school there was a brief spell with Brixham before he joined the Saracens Academy. Two years with the London team confirmed his affinity for back row play, as his low centre of gravity and stocky build combined with his competitive edge to make him a natural flanker.

Steffon won his first of five England caps against Italy in February 2009 and rounded off an outstanding season by helping London Irish reach the 2009 Guinness Premiership Final.

He was selected for the England tour to Australia and New Zealand, making two appearances against the Australian Barbarians in Gosford before scoring an early try against New Zealand Maori at Napier.

He was also nominated for the PRA's prestigious Young Player of the Year award in 2009 and the Player's Player in 2010.