Munster duo favourites for award

THE Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) announced their nominations for Irish rugby’s BT sponsored Players Player of the Year.

Amongst the favourites to land the main award are Munster duo Paul O’Connell and Denis Leamy as well as Leinster’s star Argentinean out half Felipe Contepomi.

Five awards will be presented at a gala ceremony on Wednesday, May 3rd at the Burlington Hotel, Dublin.

The event is being held to celebrate the 2005/2006 rugby season and the contribution of players.

Mark McHugh, Chairman of IRUPA said: “Winning an award voted for by those who you play and compete against is the best tribute for any rugby player. This awards ceremony will celebrate those players who dominated the season, but it will also raise much needed funds for the IRUPA Injured Players Fund.”

Three talented young players are up for the “Green Giant Newcomer of the Year Award”. Ulster’s Andrew Trimble is favourite to land the top spot, but he faces stiff competition from Munster centre Barry Murphy and Leinster’s Rob Kearney.

Nominations: BT IRUPA Players Player of the Year: F Contepomi (Leinster), D Leamy (Munster), P O’Connell (Munster).

IRUPA Club Energise Sport Unsung Hero of the Year:N Best (Ulster); M O’Driscoll (Munster); D Wallace (Munster).

IRUPA Tyrone Crystal Try of the Year: D Hickie (Toulouse v Leinster); S Horgan (England v Ireland); B Murphy (Munster v Sale).

IRUPA Green Giant Newcomer of the Year: R Kearney (Leinster); B Murphy (Munster); A Trimble (Ulster)