Wilson and O'Sullivan pick up monthly awards

It was a tale of two number eights in the Celtic League during February and March as Roger Wilson (Ulster) and John O’Sullivan (Connacht) were today named as the Guinness Draught Can Celtic League Irish Players of the Month respectively for both months.

Both players have shown superb form with their provinces and have helped Ulster and Connacht continue their success in the Celtic League.

During February, Ulster maintained their challenge for the Celtic League with home victories over Llanelli Scarlets (10-9) and the Neath Swansea Ospreys (31-19) followed by two narrow defeats against Glasgow (27-25) and Gwent Dragons (27-19).

Wilson played in all Ulster’s games, showing consistently solid defence coupled with his impressive ability to pass the gain line with the ball.

It was this form that led Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan to call Wilson into the Ireland squad prior to the Six Nations game against Scotland and led to his nomination as the Player of the Month for February.

Connacht's performances during March saw them record a loss against Borders (40-29), a win over Leinster (35-24) and a draw against the second placed Llanelli Scarlets (33-33).

As with Ulster, it was the performances of their young livewire number eight John O’Sullivan that caught the eye with his all round skills marking him as the outstanding player in the Connacht side.

A similar type of player to Roger Wilson, it was his ability to make the ‘hard yards’ with the ball, his excellent ball handling skills and his overall fitness and power that made him the key player for Connacht.

Ronan Beirne, Guinness Brand Manager commented: “The form of both Connacht and Ulster has continued throughout the League and both Roger and John have played vital roles for their respective provinces.”

The Guinness Draught Can Irish Celtic League Player of the Month was decided by members of the national sports media and will continue each month throughout the Celtic League.

Previous Winners:

September – Mark McHugh (Connacht)

October – Kieran Campbell (Ulster)

November – Jim Williams (Munster)

December – David Humphreys (Ulster)

January – Gordon D’Arcy (Leinster)