O’Gara a surprise omission from players’ award shortlist

MUNSTER and Ireland out-half Ronan O’Gara is a shock absentee from the shortlist for the 2008 BT Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) Players’ Player of the Year Award to be announced at a gala event later this month.

O’Gara, who captained Ireland for the first time against England in Twickenham, was arguably Ireland’s most consistent performer during a disappointing Six Nations campaign while also playing an inspirational role in helping Munster through the ‘Pool of Death’ in this season’s Heineken Cup.

Another notable absentee from the three nominations for the top award is Ireland and Leinster full-back/wing Rob Kearney who made an outstanding contribution in this year’s Six Nations.