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IRUPA Awards Nominees Announced

IRUPA Awards Nominees Announced

Ireland’s rugby players association, IRUPA, have announced the nominations for Irish rugby’s ultimate accolade, the Hibernia College IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year for 2013.

In the running to land the much sought after award are Leinster and Ireland prop Cian Healy, Ulster number 8 Nick Williams and Munster and Ireland winger Simon Zebo.

These are the only awards voted for by the players themselves, with votes collected from the entire professional player group across the country.

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Jonathan Sexton, Chairman of IRUPA, said: “Winning an IRUPA award, which is voted for by the players is a huge mark of respect for any rugby player.

“The Hibernia College Player of the Year award is particularly well regarded by the players, as it rewards consistency and skill at the highest level.”

The award is one of seven which will be announced at the annual IRUPA Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8 at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel.

Among the other awards is the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year, contested this year by a feast of talented young players including Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw, Leinster’s Ian Madigan, also nominated in 2012, and Luke Marshall from Ulster.

The Volkswagen Try of the Year includes Craig Gilroy’s try against Argentina in the November internationals, Iain Henderson’s effort against Saracens in Ulster’s Heineken Cup quarter-final and Simon Zebo gets a second nomination for his try against Wales in the RBS 6 Nations.

2013 is the second year of the Hibernia College Medal for Excellence which will be awarded to the individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the game both on and off field.

This is a player who matches their playing and training with team support, studies, work, mentoring, charity and community involvement.

Players across the provinces voted for Leinster’s Isaac Boss, Ulster’s Chris Henry and retiring Munster prop Marcus Horan, a former Chairman of IRUPA.

Ulster’s Nigel Brady, Munster’s Billy Holland and Michael Swift of Connacht have been shortlisted for the IRUPA O2 Unsung Hero award.

Now thanks to O2, you can have your say and vote for your favourite on Twitter @O2IrlRugby using the hashtag #O2UnsungHero. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

Rugby fans across Ireland can again vote for their Supporters’ Player of the Year for 2013 on Newstalk106-108fm.

Tune in to ‘Off the Ball‘ on Newstalk106-108fm from Monday, April 29 to vote, and to be in with a chance to attend the event at the Burlington on Wednesday, May 8. The award will be presented to the winning player at the awards ceremony.

2013 IRUPA AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

HIBERNIA COLLEGE IRUPA PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR –

Cian Healy (Leinster)

Nick Williams (Ulster)

Simon Zebo (Munster)

NEVIN SPENCE YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR –

Robbie Henshaw (Connacht)

Ian Madigan (Leinster)

Luke Marshall (Ulster)

VOLKSWAGEN TRY OF YEAR –

Craig Gilroy, Ireland v Argentina, Autumn Series

Iain Henderson, Saracens v Ulster, Heineken Cup

Simon Zebo, Ireland v Wales, RBS 6 Nations

HIBERNIA COLLEGE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE –

Isaac Boss (Leinster)

Chris Henry (Ulster)

Marcus Horan (Munster)

BNY MELLON IRUPA HALL OF FAME –

Recipient to be announced on Wednesday, May 1

O2 UNSUNG HERO –

You can view and vote for the IRUPA O2 Unsung Hero on Twitter @O2IrlRugby using the hashtag #O2UnsungHero. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8.

NEWSTALK106-108FM SUPPORTERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR –

The Supporters’ Player of the Year, as voted by listeners of Newstalk106-108fm, will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 8. Tune in to ‘Off the Ball’ from Monday, April 29 to vote.