Stander Nominated For IRUPA Player Of The Year

Munster’s CJ Stander is among four nominees for the 2016 IRUPA Player of the Year accolade. Standout performances for Munster and in his first five international appearances for Ireland have seen the back row nominated by his professional playing peers.

The ceremony takes place on May 4th at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in Dublin where a total of ten awards will be given out on the night, culminating in the ultimate accolade – the Zurich IRUPA Players' Player of the Year Award.

For the first time ever the four shortlisted nominees of the main award consist of one from each Irish province – Rory Best (Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Connacht) Jack McGrath (Leinster) and CJ Stander (Munster). 

Voted on by their fellow professional teammates, the four finalists have been selected based on consistent form across the Guinness PRO12, European Champions Cup, European Challenge Cup, Rugby World Cup and the RBS 6 Nations.

The Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year – an award which Henshaw has won for the last three years – will also be announced.

Other awards presented on the evening include: The Volkswagen Try of the Year, The Irish Times Supporters' Player of the Year, the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award, the BNY Mellon Women's XVs Player of the Year, the IRUPA Women's 7's Player of the Year, the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa Moment of the Year and The Vodafone Medal for Excellence.

Commenting on the Awards night was former IRUPA Board Member and Player of the Year 2015, Paul O'Connell, who said, “To be nominated for an IRUPA Award is such a fantastic achievement.  It really is a great honour to be recognised by your fellow players. I would like to congratulate all the nominees, wish them the best and hope they enjoy the night”.