With the rugby union season drawing to a close, the Roma Echidnas celebrated their best and fairest at their team presentation night on Friday, with ex-Wallabies player Dan Herbert in attendance as guest of honour.

With nine awards up for grabs, over 40 team members and friends enjoyed a sit down meal and a few drinks before the presentation ceremony began.

The Queen's Arms Hotel was filled with laughter as Dan told witty anecdotes about his life on tour with the Wallabies, and then the crowd sat absorbed when he spoke of his toughest opponents and the future of union.

Dan said although the sport was facing a downturn in participation, due to a multitude of reasons, he was certain union would rise again like "like a phoenix out of the ashes.”

The 2017 season had been tough on the Echidna boys, however there were plenty of laughs to go around on the night and the atmosphere in the room could not be dulled.

Echidna's club president, Robert Loughnan, said although the team had suffered losses, they had demonstrated dedication and camaraderie throughout the year.

"It was an encouraging season, in which we had a very committed nucleus of players in the club,” Rob said.

"Next season we want to attain our great players and hopefully add a few more to the line up.”

"Tonight we celebrated our successes, with everyone here epitomising the spirit of the club. Despite a negative season, there were definitely positive aspects.”

Echidna's coach Anthony 'Collo' Collins also supported this view, saying players would take away the positives from the season

"The boys did well, the result of this season had nothing to do with the effort that's for sure,” Collo said.

For more pictures from the evening, see the gallery below.

Award Winners:

Jason Ray Award: Nick Ware

Club person of the year: Rachael Stanford and Rose Brownlie

Most Improved Back: Tom Sheridan

Most Improved Forward: AJ Riley

Coaches Award: Nick Cook

Best Back: Jack Grant

Best Forward: Tom Capel

Players Player: Nick Cook

Best and Fairest: George Skuthorp