IRUPA, THE IRISH Rugby Union Players Association, have today unveiled its shortlist for the players’ player of the year award.
Unsurprisingly, all four nominees played a central role in Ireland’s successful Six Nations campaign.
Half-backs Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray are nominated along with captain Paul O’Connell and 21-year-old Robbie Henshaw.
The Connacht centre formed an important part of Ireland’s Championship defence and seems a shoe-in to claim the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year award for the third time running. Though there will be competition from Leinster’s Jack Conan and Jack McGrath.
Leinster’s other individual nominee comes in the IRUPA Unsung hero award, with winger Darragh Fanning alongside Munster’s Denis Hurley and Ulster prop Callum Black. The public are encouraged to vote for the unsung hero using #3UnsungHero on Twitter.
Supporters can also vote for their moment of the year with #PHMoment15 and their own Player of the Year in a vote which opens to the public from 4 May with details to be broadcast on Newstalk.
Among the other gongs to be handed out at the 13 May ceremony will be Try of the Year (see them here) and a Hibernia College medal for excellence to be awarded to either Chris Henry, Felix Jones and Michael Swift nominated.
Who would you name Irish Player of the Year?
Honest question. Do any irish people care?
@JamRag: Honest answer. Some Irish people care.
@JamRag: Yeah I enjoy watching cricket. If you take the time to understand it, it’s a great sport and great to watch. It’s an intelligent sport… The Ashes is kind of like the Ryder cup for cricket.
@JamRag: Plenty JR.There is more interest in the game now than ever and record numbers playing it.The Ashes is the ultimate challenge in the game.
@John: I’ve a mate who likes 20/20 he says it’s because it’s nice and quick.
@JamRag: J.H.C. man!! negative at other than your one-eyed view of Leinster Rugby….now cricket, H.T.F. do you survive yourself?
@JamRag: yeh they do. Why comment on an article you have no interest in?
@JamRag: I love watching cricket, especially the 20/20 like the IPL.
if the aussie tail can wag set up lovely.
Lol