Conor Murray given highest honour as IRUPA awards recognise six Irish players

Conan Doherty

Conor Murray is the Zurich IRUPA Players’ Player of the Year.

The Munster man has enjoyed another wonderful season that saw his province advance to the European semi-finals and his country bury over a century of hurt with a stunning win against New Zealand.

All the while, he has been effortless, he has been genius, he has been a leader of men.

A performance of talent. A performance of balls. A performance of heart https://t.co/FaRNUGlmqY

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 7, 2016

And, at the 15th annual award ceremony, the scrumhalf beat off Tadhg Furlong, Rob Henshaw and CJ Stander to pick up the Players’ Player of the Year gong.

“It has been an incredible season and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed,” Murray said.

“We have had our challenges and some sad days along the way, but to have both Munster and Ireland performing at the highest level has been very satisfying.

“Being recognized in this way by my peers is special – I just hope that I can continue to do my job in the important games that are to come.”

Elsewhere, Garry Ringrose scooped the Young Player of the Year award after bursting onto the international scene in November. Tadhg Furlong received the supporters’ player of the year.

ZURICH IRUPA PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2017

Winner: Conor Murray – Munster

Nominations:

Tadhg Furlong – Leinster
Robbie Henshaw – Leinster
Conor Murray – Munster
CJ Stander – Munster

NEVIN SPENCE YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2016

Winner: Garry Ringrose – Leinster

Nominations:

Joey Carbery – Leinster
Garry Ringrose – Leinster
Darren Sweetnam – Munster

VOLKSWAGEN TRY OF YEAR 2017

Winner: Robbie Henshaw
Ireland v New Zealand