Ferris, O’Gara and Kearney in hunt for award

Ulster’s Stephen Ferris, Munster evergreen Ronan O’Gara and Leinster full-back Rob Kearney will vie for the Rugby Players Association, IRUPA’s Players’ Player of the Year award.

These are the only awards voted for by the players themselves, with votes collected from the entire professional player group across the country.

IRUPA Player of the Year nominations: Stephen Ferris (Ulster); Rob Kearney (Leinster); Ronan O’Gara (Munster)

IRUPA Nature Valley Young Player of the Year: Craig Gilroy (Ulster); Ian Madigan (Leinster); Peter O’Mahony (Munster)

IRUPA Volksagen Try of the Year: Craig Gilroy (Munster v Ulster, HC); Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster v Cardiff Blues, HC); Niall Ronan (Munster v Scarlets, HC).

IRUPA Hibernian College Medal for Excellence: Shane Jennings (Leinster); Ronan Loughney (Connacht); Mick O’Driscoll (Munster).

IRUPA Hall of Fame: IRUPA O2 Unsung Hero (Check www.o2.ie/rugby Voting is open until May 4).

IRUPA Newstalk Supporters’ Player of the Year (announced May 9).