All four provinces have a nominee for IRUPA Players' Player of the Year Award
The Irish Rugby Union Players' Association (IRUPA) has unveiled the nominations for the Zurich Irish Rugby Players' Awards, which will be presented at a ceremony in Dublin on May 4.
Ten awards will be given out at the ceremony, culminating in the Player of the Year Award.
The nominess for @IRUPA Players' Player of the year are... https://t.co/c0CK8t5EIA pic.twitter.com/05wE9piiN0
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 21, 2016
For the first time ever the four shortlisted nominees of the main award consist of one from each Irish province .
Rory Best from Ulster, Connacht's Robbie Henshaw, Jack McGrathof Leinster and Munster's CJ make up the shortlist as voted on by their fellow professional teammates.
The Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year - an award which Henshaw has won for the last three years - will also be announced.
The nominees for @IRUPA Young Player Of The Yeare are https://t.co/c0CK8t5EIA pic.twitter.com/FJ8PNA7tnV
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) April 21, 2016
Leinster have two representatives in Garry Ringrose and Josh Van Der Flier, whilst Ulster's blockbusting midfielder Stuart McCloskey rounds out the trio.
The three players have had breakthrough seasons for their provinces with the latter two also making their debuts for Ireland in the Six Nations.
Amongst the other prestigious awards, the BNY Mellon Hall of Fame will take place on the night, with the recipient to be announced in due course.
"To be nominated for an IRUPA Award is such a fantastic achievement, it really is a great honour to be recognised by your fellow players,” Ireland legend Paul O’Connell said of the nominations.
“I would like to congratulate all the nominees, wish them the best and hope they enjoy the night.”
Congrats @RoryBest2 & @Stuart_Mc12 on nominations for @IRUPA Player of the Year & Young Player of the Year awards pic.twitter.com/a3KFVuic3k
— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) April 21, 2016
Other awards that will be presented on the evening include: The Volkswagen Try of the Year, The Irish Times Supporters' Player of the Year, the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award, the BNY Mellon Women's XVs Player of the Year, the IRUPA Women's 7's Player of the Year, the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa Moment of the Year and The Vodafone Medal for Excellence.
