Josh van der Flier's fine season with Leinster and Ireland has been recognised. The flanker won the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year award at the IRUPA Rugby Awards.
Van der Flier’s emergence as a starter for club and country in 2016 has been one of the success stories of the season for Irish rugby.
In a short space of time the 23-year-old has nailed down his spot in the Leinster starting team, he has also made his bow on the international stage.
The flanker made his debut in Ireland’s Six Nations defeat to England at Twickenham before starting in the win over Italy.
Another man enjoying his first season in green took the top gong, Munster’s CJ Stander was named the IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year for 2016.
The 26-year-old South African native made his Ireland debut against Wales in the Six Nations. He made an immediate impact having put in a man of the match display in the draw at the Aviva Stadium.
Stander said the accolade was the perfect way to cap off a long road to his first season representing Ireland, he had only recently qualified after 3 years residency:
*IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year: CJ Stander (Munster)
*Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year: Josh van der Flier (Leinster)
*Try of the Year: Jamie Heaslip (Ireland v Italy, Six Nations)
*Vodafone Medal for Excellence: Isaac Boss (Leinster)
*Hall of Fame 2016: Ronan O’Gara
*Supporters’ Player of the Year: CJ Stander (Munster)
*Powerscourt Hotel and Spa Moment of the Year: Connacht’s victory at Thomond Park
*Women’s Fifteens Player of the Year: Sene Naoupu
*Women’s Sevens Player of the Year: Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe
*Zurich Contribution to Irish Society: Niall Breslin
