Caelan Doris, Neve Jones and Jack Crowley win big at Rugby Players Ireland awards ceremony

"I'm excited to see what we are capable of achieving together."

Caelan Doris held off stiff competition from two Leinster teammates and Connacht winger Mack Hansen to win the Bank of Ireland’s Men’s XVs Players’ Players of the Year 2023, this evening at a ceremony in Dublin.  The Mayo native, who has been an outstanding frontline talent for Leinster over the past three seasons, took the achievement ahead of Ireland teammates and fellow nominees Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan.  On receiving his award Caelan Doris commented, "I am honoured to receive this recognition from my fellow players.

"Across the season, we rely on each other as teammates to be a strong support for one another, both on and off the field. To be acknowledged by them for any contribution I have made to their season is very special. It is fantastic to receive this award, but I want to acknowledge my teammates and fellow nominees - what a phenomenal season it has been for Irish rugby and Leinster Rugby and I’m excited to see what we are capable of achieving together in the coming days and months."

[caption id="attachment_287764" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Caelan Doris of Leinster. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)[/caption]

'It really is an honour' - Caelan Doris and Neve Jones win big

The Bank of Ireland’s Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year 2023 - as voted by members of the Ireland squad - was awarded to Gloucester-Hartpury hooker, Neve Jones. Jones, who prevailed over fellow nominees, Ireland captain Nichola Fryday and Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, commented:

“This has been a tough year for the team, but we have shown some great examples of our character and resilience. We are an extremely close team and are proud to back each other on the good and bad days. This award could go to anyone in the green jersey this season, so it really is an honour to be recognised and to be able to represent a fantastic group of players.” 

Aoife Dalton took home the Women’s XVs Young Player of The Year, while Ireland Sevens captain Lucy Mulhall claimed the Women’s 7s Player of the Year accolade. Jack Crowley, who clinched Munster's United Rugby Championship semi-final win over Leinster at the weekend, picked up the Nevin Spence Men’s Young Player of the Year Award. Amongst those in attendance tonight was Johnny Sexton who accepted the Moment of the Year Award on behalf of his Ireland teammates for the Six Nations Grand Slam triumph.   [caption id="attachment_287763" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] 31 March 2023; Neve Jones during the Ireland Women's Rugby captain's run at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile[/caption]

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

BANK OF IRELAND’S MEN’S XVs PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023  Caelan Doris (Leinster) Other nominees: Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan & Dan Sheehan BANK OF IRELAND’S WOMEN’S XVs PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023  Neve Jones (Gloucester-Hartpury) Other nominees: Deirbhile Nic a Bháird & Nichola Fryday NEVIN SPENCE MEN’S XVs YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023  Jack Crowley (Munster) Other nominees: Dan Sheehan & Tom Stewart IZEST MARKETING WOMEN’s XVs YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023  Aoife Dalton Old Belvedere RFC  Other nominees: Natasha Behan & Sadhbh McGrath MSL MERCEDES-BENZ DEALERSHIPS‘ MEN’S XVs TRY OF THE YEAR 2023  Mack Hansen (for Ireland vs. South Africa, Autumn Nations Cup ) Other nominees: Hugo Keenan & Shane Daly AIB CORPORATE BANKING WOMEN’S XVs TRY OF THE YEAR 2023  Nichola Fryday (for Ireland v Scotland, Six Nations) Other nominees: Natasja Behan & Aoife Doyle TRITON LAKE MEN’S 7s PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023  Andrew Smith  Other nominees: Jack Kelly & Harry McNulty  TRITON LAKE WOMEN’S 7s PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2023  Lucy Mulhall  Other nominees: Béibhinn Parsons & Emily Lane

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