Conor Murray rewarded for continued excellence

After helping his side secure a home quarter final in the European Champions Cup, Conor Murray’s excellent form has seen him nominated for EPCR European Player of the Year 2018 award. The winner will receive the Anthony Foley Memorial trophy as well as one million air miles courtesy of Turkish Airways.

Congratulations to Conor Murray on his nomination for the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy!

The trophy is awarded to the EPCR European Player of the Year and voting is now open | https://t.co/UKBuORvrQP#SUAF pic.twitter.com/FipafEuTzv

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 23, 2018

Murray has continued to be Munster’s key man this season, leading his side from scrum-half. A jack of all trades, Murray has seemingly added long range goal kicking to his personal armour, demonstrating the trait in Munster’s narrow loss to Racing a week ago.

Fellow Irish internationals Tadgh Furlong and Johnny Sexton are also nominated for the award. They are joined by Leinster teammates Scott Fardy and Isa Nacewa on the shortlist as Leinster were the only side to win each of their group games in the competition.

Tadgh Beirne, who will join Munster next season as well as Scarlets teammate Gareth Davis are nominated as is the current holder of the award Owen Farrell. Champions Cup debutants, La Rochelle have three nominees in Levani Botia, Dany Priso and Victor Vito.

Runners up in Munster’s pool Racing 92 have Leone Nakawawa nominated as is Toulon’s Josua Tuisova. Clermont Auvergne duo Morgan Parra and Alivereti Raka make up the shortlist.

The shortlist will be cut down to 5 after the semi finals of the competition are completed with a mix of public votes and a panel of judges determining who makes the final five.

Voting for the award is now open at  www.championscuprugby.com/epoty and the winner will be announced after the final in Bilbao on May 12.