Griffin Named Women’s XVs Player Of The Year At Irish Rugby Players Awards

Munster’s Ciara Griffin was named the Women’s XVs Player of the Year at the Irish Rugby Players Awards 2019.

The Ireland Women’s captain received the award for several outstanding performances in what was a challenging season with Munster winger Eimear Considine and Mallow native Anna Caplice also in contention.

Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe was named Women’s 7s Player of the Year for the third time.

While there were several moments throughout the season that will always be remembered fondly, members of the public determined that Ireland’s victory over New Zealand in November was the Rugby Moment of the Year. Munster and Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony accepted the award on behalf of his teammates.

Leinster and Ireland’s James Ryan was named the Players’ Player of the Year 2019 by his fellow players at the Irish Rugby Players Awards ceremony.

Ryan, has been a formidable presence for both club and country throughout the season and beat off competition from Munster’s O’Mahony and Tadhg Beirne as well as Jack Carty to claim the award.

Still just 22, Ryan has amassed 17 caps for his country since making his debut against the USA in 2017 and has become an increasingly influential figure in Irish camp. This was further acknowledged by his peers who also deemed him to be the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year 2019 ahead of Jordan Larmour and last year’s winner Jacob Stockdale.

On receiving his award Ryan commented: “It’s always nice to win awards, but tonight has been particularly special in that I am being recognised by my teammates and opponents. I have many great memories of the season but there have also been plenty of learnings that I will take with me into the future. A special word of thanks to my family who continue to guide me through what has been a fairly hectic rugby career to date!”

Ryan was also nominated for the Supporters’ Player of the Year, but this was claimed by Connacht’s Jack Carty who has enjoyed an outstanding season, winning his debut Irish cap in addition to becoming Connacht’s record points scorer. Jack follows club and country teammate Bundee Aki in winning the public vote.

Many of the biggest names in Irish rugby were present at the Clayton Hotel on the Burlington Road last night for what was a celebration of a season of highs and lows for the game on the field.

Rugby Players Ireland’s evolving past-player network was also strongly represented as former players turned out to acknowledge the work of their successors and to welcome former Ireland full-back Conor O’Shea into the Hall of Fame.

Darren Cave, who will be retiring at the end of the season, was awarded the Medal for Excellence, which rewards on-field effort combined with off-field commitment to the game. The Contribution to Irish Society Award meanwhile, was presented to former Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions hooker Shane Byrne in recognition of his tireless charitable work.

Simon Keogh, CEO of Rugby Players Ireland, commented: “Winning a Irish Rugby Players’ Award is the highest honour an individual player can receive in Ireland. To be acknowledged by your teammates and opponents in this manner goes some way to justifying the sacrifices that are required to make it at the top-level of the game. James Ryan has enjoyed a fantastic season, as have all those who have won awards tonight.”