Caelan Doris has been named as the Ireland men's XVs players’ players of the year, while Neve Jones took the women’s honour at this year's Rugby Players Ireland awards.
Leinster back row Doris has been recognised for his contribution to Ireland’s series win over New Zealand, the autumn international clean sweep and the Six Nations Grand Slam victory, as well as playing a central role in his club’s run to the Heineken Champions Cup final.
The Mayo native saw off competition from Ireland team-mates Mack Hansen of Connacht, Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan, both from Leinster.
The 25-year-old, who has 28 Ireland caps, is also nominated alongside team-mates Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier for the EPCR player of the year award.
He said: "I am honoured to receive this recognition from my fellow players. Across the season, we rely on each other as team-mates to be a strong support for one another, both on and off the field.
"To be acknowledged by them for any contribution I have made to their season is very special."
Ulster native Jones started all five of Ireland’s Women’s Six Nations games and was the tournament’s top tackler with 90 was named the Bank of Ireland women's XV player of the year,
The 24-year-old hooker plays with Gloucester-Hartpury in the English Premier 15s.
She was nominated alongside Ireland captain Nichola Fryday and Deirbhile Nic a Bháird.
Jones said: "This has been a tough year for the team, but we have shown some great examples of our character and resilience.
"We are an extremely close team and are proud to back each other on the good and bad days. This award could go to anyone in the green jersey this season, so it really is an honour to be recognised and to be able to represent a fantastic group of players."
Amongst those in attendance tonight at the awards dinner in Dublin's Clayton Hotel was Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton, who accepted the moment of the year award on behalf of the Irish team for the Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam.
The men’s XVs try of the year prize went to Mack Hansen for Ireland’s team try against South Africa during the Autumn Nations Series.
Andrew Smith was named as the men’s 7s player of the year for the first time.
Leinster’s Alex Soroka’s outstanding contribution through fundraising for the Ukrainian National Children's Hospital was also recognised in his winning of the contribution to Irish society award, while Munster’s Jack Crowley was presented with the Nevin Spence men’s young player of the year award.
This year marks the eleventh anniversary of Nevin’s passing.
The women's XVs young player of the year was awarded to Leinster’s Aoife Dalton with women’s XVs try of the year being awarded to Ireland lock Fryday for her score against Scotland in this year’s Six Nations.
With captains clearly leading by example, Ireland 7s captain Lucy Mulhall claimed the women’s 7s player of the year.
Watch the Heineken Champions Cup final, Leinster v La Rochelle, on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Saturday from 4pm, follow a live blog on the RTÉ News app or RTÉ.ie/Sport or listen to live commentary on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
