Back Row Rules The Roost in Celtic League Awards

It was a tale of two number eights in the Celtic League during February and March as Roger Wilson (Ulster) and John O’Sullivan (Connacht) were
named as the Guinness Draught Can Celtic League Irish Players of the
Month
respectively for both months. Both players have shown superb form
with
their provinces and have helped Ulster and Connacht continue their
success
in the Celtic League.

During February, Ulster maintained their challenge for the Celtic
League
with home victories over Llanelli Scarlets (10-9) and the Neath
Swansea
Ospreys (31-19) followed by two narrow defeats against Glasgow
(27-25) and
Gwent Dragons (27-19). Wilson played in all Ulster’s games, showing
consistently solid defence coupled with his impressive ability to
pass the
gain line with the ball.

It was this form that led Irish Coach Eddie O’Sullivan to call Wilson
into
the Ireland squad prior to the Six Nations game against Scotland and
led to
his nomination as the Player of the Month for February.

Connacht’s performances during March saw them record a loss against
Borders
(40-29), a win over Leinster (35-24) and a draw against the second
placed
Llanelli Scarlets (33-33). As with Ulster, it was the performances
of their
young live wire number eight John O’Sullivan that caught the eye with
his
all round skills marking him as the outstanding player in the
Connacht side.
A similar type of player to Roger Wilson, it was his ability to make
the
hard yards’ with the ball, his excellent ball handling skills and his
overall fitness and power that made him the key player for Connacht.

Ronan Beirne, Guinness Brand Manager commented, Both Roger Wilson
and John
O’Sullivan are outstanding young players with bright futures in Irish
Rugby.
The form of both Connacht and Ulster has continued throughout the
League and
both Roger and John have played vital roles for their respective
provinces.
As Official beer to Celtic Rugby, Guinness Draught Can are happy to
reward
their effort and wish them and their provinces continued success.

The Guinness Draught Can Irish Celtic League Player of the Month was
decided
by the members of the national sports media and will continue each
month
throughout the Celtic League.

Previous Winners:
September – Mark McHugh (Connacht)
October – Kieran Campbell (Ulster)
November – Jim Williams (Munster)
December – David Humphreys (Ulster)
January – Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster)