Leinster flanker Sean O'Brien has landed European rugby's inaugural Player of the Year award as he and his team-mates eye a European and domestic double.
(Click here to listen to Seán O'Brien's interview on Sport at 7)
Sporting a black eye following Saturday's sensational second-half comeback against Northampton in the Heineken Cup final, O'Brien received his award from European Rugby Cup (ERC) chief executive Derek McGrath.
‘Sean was an inspirational character at the heart of the Leinster pack in their victorious Heineken Cup season and proved himself to be a major force both as a ball carrier and defender,’ said McGrath.
‘He played across the back row, scored vital tries and picked up three... man-of-the-match awards. His power, athleticism and consistency over the course... made him an excellent choice.’
O'Brien received his award at the RDS. The flanker and his Leinster team-mates will look to become only the fourth club to win a domestic league and European Cup double when they meet Munster in the Magners League Grand Final at Thomond Park on Saturday.
O'Brien emerged from a shortlist of five, beating team-mates Jamie Heaslip and Isa Nacewa, Northampton's Tongan prop Soane Tonga'uiha and Sergio Parisse of Stade Francais to the award.
‘It's been a fantastic year for me, and more importantly for Leinster,’ said O'Brien.
‘It's great to be presented with an award like this, but it has more to do with the team than it has to do with me. Hopefully, this is only the start rather than the end of our success in Europe, and of course, we've got another trophy to aim at this weekend.’
The winner was determined by a panel of five experts, taking into account the recommendations of the 44 clubs.
The winner was confirmed after all five shortlisted candidates had been seen in action in the two finals - the Heineken Cup and the second-tier European Challenge Cup where Harlequins beat Stade Francais.
