CJ STANDER’S OUTSTANDING debut season in an Ireland jersey has been recognised by his fellow players after he was voted the IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year for 2016.
The Munster forward collected the award at the 14th annual awards ceremony, which was staged this evening in Dublin.
Stander has been a shining light during an otherwise disappointing season for the southern province while he made a major impression on the international stage for his adopted country.
The 26-year-old made his Ireland debut against Wales in the Six Nations and marked the occasion with a man of the match performance. He continued his rich vein of form throughout the championship and scored his first try against Italy.
“I’m delighted to win this award,” Stander said. “Receiving recognition from my fellow peers is the ultimate accolade. I will remember this season fondly, from winning my first cap, to scoring my first international try and ultimately winning this award.”
Stander also received the Supporters’ Player of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Josh van der Flier was crowned the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year after a stellar season for both Leinster and Ireland.
The young flanker enjoyed a meteoric rise during the 2015/16 campaign as he established himself in Leo Cullen’s side and then made his international debut at Twickenham.
Ronan O’Gara was inducted in the IRUPA Hall of Fame, Jamie Heaslip won Try of the Year for his effort against Italy while Sene Naoupu was recognised as the Women’s Player of the Year.
Award winners:
- IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year: CJ Stander (Munster)
- Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year: Josh van der Flier (Leinster)
- Try of the Year: Jamie Heaslip (Ireland v Italy, Six Nations)
- Vodafone Medal for Excellence: Isaac Boss (Leinster)
- Hall of Fame 2016: Ronan O’Gara
- Supporters’ Player of the Year: CJ Stander (Munster)
- Powerscourt Hotel and Spa Moment of the Year: Connacht’s victory at Thomond Park
- Women’s Fifteens Player of the Year: Sene Naoupu
- Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
- Zurich Contribution to Irish Society: Niall Breslin.
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He’s not as disappointed as some on relation to how far off they are? They are miles off. No offence to Munster but they are an average,though very gutsy and committed side,and they have hammers Leinster twice in a row now. I do agree that they haven’t had any continuity with combinations,especially from 9-13,and hopefully when the likes of OBrien, Healy, Moore, Teo, McFadden etc come back then there will be a big improvement.
I must take the opportunity to praise Matt O’Connor for the huge improvement in Guinness Pro12 teams. Ever since he arrived at Leinster, every other team has greatly improved. Teams, that two years ago were almost brushed aside by Leinster, have now reached the heights that Leinster once inhabited alone.
Treviso have improved, Munster have improved, Edinburgh have improved, Scarlets have improved, Dragons have improved, Zebra have improved, Connacht (brilliant tonight, by the way) have improved..
In fact, they have all improved so much that Leinster has great difficulty taking on any of them.
By extension, Wasps and Harlequins have shown just how brilliant they are too due to you Matt.
I can hardly wait to see how much Castres get better when they arrive at the RDS soon. They will build statues in your image all over the town.
Matt, you have done European rugby a great service. They have all reached and surpassed Leinster this season thanks to your input at Leinster and everywhere else.
Thank you Matt and Happy New year!.
(and also to Mr Caputo, the news paper seller. Your influence on all other teams has been exceptional)