Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt was honoured by the Rugby Writers of Ireland at the annual Guinness Rugby Writers Awards, having been awarded the prestigious Tom Rooney award in recognition of his immense contribution to Irish rugby.

Ronan O’Gara (Munster and Ireland) has been named as the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year and Munster the Team of the Year for the season 2007/2008.

Leinster and Argentina star Felipe Contepomi was crowned the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year at a luncheon at Killiney's Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel this afternoon.

PAUL O’CONNELL has been named Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year.