Van Der Flier marks fantastic season with Player of the year award

The Rugby Players Ireland Awards were held last night at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road

Many of Ireland rugby’s top names were in attendance at the Clayton hotel last night for the Rugby Players Ireland Awards.

Ireland’s back row Josh Van Der Flier and women’s lock Sam Monaghan were voted by their piers as ‘Players of the year’. 

Van Der Flier has been persistent in his efforts to have his name on the starting ‘7’ jersey for his country, one of the most contested positions on the team. 

His award came in the category with some serious talent winning over Caelan Dorris, Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan.

The Wicklow man has been electric for both country and province this year helping Leinster to the Champions Cup final and being nominated for Six Nations Player of the Championship this season. 

The women’s player of the year winner Sam Monaghan, has been an outstanding player for her team producing several prominent performances throughout the season.

The Wasps forward prevailed over talents such as Linda Djougang and Eve Higgins.

Connacht star Hansen, accepted the award for Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year Award on behalf of his team mates in commemoration of their Triple Crown Success.

Leinster back row Caelan Dorris recieved the MSL Mercedes-Benz Dealerships’ Men’s 15s Try of the Year for his try against New Zealand.

The Irish Sevens player of the year award was recieved by Terry Kennedy for the second succesive season.

Dubliner Andrew Porter’s work in the community was recognised in his winning of the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society award.

Recent Connacht break through, Cian Prendergast was presented with the Nevin Spence Men’s Young Player of the Year award marking the tenth anniversary of Nevin’s passing.