Coughlan named Player of the Year

JAMES COUGHLAN was last night named Player of the Year at the Munster Rugby Awards, in association with the Irish Examiner.

The 30-year-old back row, who enjoyed a rare evening off as his team-mates played Connacht at Thomond Park, has been a model of consistency this season. Coughlan, who fought off fellow nominees Doug Howlett, Keith Earls and Ronan O’Gara for the prestigious award, was ever-present during the European campaign and played an influential role in Munster’s march into the Magners League semi-finals.

He also featured prominently in the famous victory over the touring Australians last November and second-row Ian Nagle, the man of the match from that rainy night in Limerick, picked up the Young Player of the Year award at last night’s awards ceremony at Thomond Park.