CJ Stander’s eye-catching performances for Munster and Ireland this season have been recognised by his peers after he was named the the Zurich IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year for 2016.
The 25-year-old succeeds former provincial team-mate Paul O’Connell and saw off competition from Rory Best, Robbie Henshaw and Jack McGrath to claim the individual award.
The South African born player has been a leading figure in an often disappointing season for Munster and his provincial form – he was named Munster’s Player of the Year in 2015 - earned a call-up to Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad.
He was named man-of-the-match on his debut against Wales and his rich vein of form continued for the remainder of the campaign, scoring his first international try against Italy.
He was subsequently appointed Munster captain following injury to Peter O’Mahony and has been the stand out-player for his province this season.
“I’m delighted to win this award. Receiving recognition from my peers is the ultimate accolade,” Stander said.
“I will remember this season fondly, from winning my first cap, to scoring my first international try and ultimately winning this award”.
Josh Van der Flier was named the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year 2016 after impressing all season for Leinster and excelling in his debut for Ireland against England in the Six Nations Championship.
Joining Ireland’s heroes in the BNY Mellon IRUPA Hall of Fame was Munster and Ireland Ronan O’Gara.
Leinster’s Isaac Boss was awarded the Vodafone Medal for Excellence, which rewards on field effort combined with off field commitment to the game.
The Zurich Contribution to Irish Society was presented to former Leinster player, Niall Breslin, in recognition of the massive impact he has made in raising awareness of mental health and various other charities.
The BNY Mellon Women’s Fifteens Player of the Year 2016, as voted by members of the Ireland squad, was presented to another Irish international debutant, Sene Naoupu, for her outstanding performances.
The winner of the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2016 was Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe who helped Ireland to qualify for the World Series for the first time.
In what has been a special season for Connacht, littered with outstanding performances, members of the public voted for the provinces first win over Munster in 29 years in Limerick as the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa Rugby Moment of the Year via Twitter.
The award was collected by Connacht prop Ronan Loughney and coach Pat Lam.
