Rocky Elsom wins Leinster Player of the Year

Rocky Elsom has been named the Bank of Ireland Leinster Player of the Year.

The towering Australian international back-row forward has played a key role in Leinster's Magners League and Heineken Cup campaigns since signing for the province last summer.

The 26-year-old has made 20 starts, so far, scoring six tries, including two tries in Leinster's eight Heineken Cup games to date.

Elsom said: "I have to thank the team for what has been such a great year. I've had a lot of support from the team and the coaching staff and it has been really obvious to me how much of an impact they've had on my season. I can't say enough how much I appreciate it.

"In particular I would like to thank Michael Cheika for getting me over here in the first place, because it took a hell of a long time and a lot of work, so I appreciated that effort.

"I liked Dublin a lot before I came to Leinster, but I didn't expect to have enjoyed it as much as I have and I would say the main reason for that is that I've really liked being around the team. The highlight of the year so far was the match last week.

"Also, the Leinster supporters have been fantastic all season. I would say that indirectly they are one of the major reasons why the team has been so successful. Their ongoing support of the club and the team has been extremely impressive.

"I have felt privileged to have come to a side that has such passionate and dependable supporters. It has made my time here that much more enjoyable and I cannot thank them enough."

LEINSTER AWARD WINNERS:

Bank of Ireland Player of the Year: Rocky Elsom, Guinness Hall of Fame: Bill Mulcahy (Skerries), Powerade Young Player of the Year: Cian Healy, Try of the Year: Gordon D'Arcy (v Munster, May), Tackle of Year: Jamie Heaslip (v Glasgow Warriors, April), OLSC Leinster Legend Award: Felipe Contepomi.