O’Brien named ERC player of the year

Leinster’s back row lynchpin Sean O'Brien has been named as the ERC European Player of the Year for 2011.

The Carlow native started every one of Leinster’s nine Heineken Cup games this season on their route to victory in the European competition for the second time in three years.

"It's been a fantastic year for me, and more importantly for Leinster," said O'Brien.

“It's great to be presented with an award like this, but it has more to do with the team than it has to do with me. Hopefully, this is only the start rather than the end of our success in Europe, and of course, we've got another trophy to aim at this weekend."

O'Brien was presented with his award by ERC chief executive Derek McGrath at a ceremony at RDS last evening.

"Sean was an inspirational character at the heart of the Leinster pack in their victorious Heineken Cup season and proved himself to be a major force both as a ball carrier and defender," said McGrath.

"He played across the back row, scored vital tries and picked up three Heineken Man of the Match awards. His power, athleticism and consistency over the course of the Heineken Cup made him an excellent choice for the ERC European Player of the Year Award."

O’Brien was among a shortlist of five nominated for the prestigious award, the other four being his Leinster colleagues Jamie Heaslip and Isa Nacewa, Sergio Parisse of Stade Francais and Northampton Saints’ Soane Tonga'uiha.

This weekend O'Brien, who also played throughout Ireland's RBS 6 Nations campaign this year, and his Leinster team mates will be hoping to double up by becoming only the fourth club to win a domestic league and Heineken Cup double when they meet Munster in the Magners League Grand Final at Thomond Park.