LEONE NAKARAWA WAS named EPCR European Player of the Year on Saturday evening despite Racing 92′s disappointing defeat against Leinster in the Champions Cup final.
The Fijian lock was recognised as the outstanding player of the tournament, beating his team-mate Maxime Machenaud as well as a trio of Leinster’s Bilbao’s heroes.
Johnny Sexton, Scott Fardy and Tadhg Furlong all made the shortlist for the prize which was voted on by a combination of the public and an expert panel, which included Leinster and Ireland great Brian O’Driscoll.
No Irish player has won the prize since Rob Kearney in 2012, and that was the case again today as Nakarawa topped the pile to claim the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy — presented on the pitch at the San Mamés Stadium by Foley’s wife Olive and his son Tony.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Benny Coulter must be ready to be put out for pasture by now.. Surely someone else in Down can step up at this point!