STUART MCCLOSKEY AND Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald were the big winners at the 2026 Rugby Players Ireland Awards, earning the respective Players’ Player of the Year awards.

Ulster’s McCloskey prevailed after an influential season for both province and country. The 33-year-old edged out fellow Triple Crown winners Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan, and last year’s Players’ Player of the Year, and British & Irish Lions Player of the Series, Tadhg Beirne. 

“I’m not sure there’s any world in which I would have imagined myself receiving this award this time last year,” said a delighted McCloskey.

Stuart McCloskey with his award. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO

“I’ve really enjoyed this season and having the opportunity to test myself against the very best in the game. I’m also honoured to share the field with many great players, and to have this acknowledgement from them is very special.”

Meanwhile, Moloney-MacDonald got the nod for the women’s gong ahead of Eve Higgins and Brittany Hogan. After making her Ireland debut in 2015, Moloney-MacDonald earned her 50th international cap during this year’s Six Nations.

“It feels like I’ve had two different careers with Ireland,” said Moloney-MacDonald, who was recalled to the Ireland squad in 2024 after a three-year absence. “It hasn’t been an easy road at times, but the team is now in a great place and well positioned to become a real force at the top of the women’s game.

“I’m proud to have played my part over the years and while award feels like a full circle moment, I know there is plenty of road in the journey to go.”

Claudia and Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald pictured at the awards ceremony. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO

Elsewhere at the ceremony, the Contribution to Irish Society Award was presented to retiring Connacht Rugby out-half Jack Carty in recognition of his continued advocacy and community engagement, as well as his work across Tackle Your Feelings and other charitable causes. 

The Men’s XVs Try of the Year went to Ulster winger Rob Baloucoune, while Eve Higgins clinched the Women’s XVs Try of the Year following a memorable breakaway score during Ireland’s World Cup campaign. 

Nominated in three different categories, Robyn O’Connor won the Women’s XVs Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough season that included a try-scoring Irish debut, while Ulster Rugby’s Bryn Ward was the Men’s XVs Young Player of the Year.

Megan Burns was announced as the Women’s 7s Player of the Year, while Ireland’s successful pursuit of another Triple Crown was the Moment of the Year.

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Rugby Players Ireland Awards 2026

• OCC Consulting Men’s XVs Players’ Player Of The Year - Stuart McCloskey
• Nominees: Tadhg Beirne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan

• OCC Consulting Women’s XVs Players’ Player Of The Year - Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald
• Nominees: Eve Higgins, Brittany Hogan

• Nevin Spence Men’s XVs Young Player Of The Year - Bryn Ward
• Nominees: Billy Bohan, Joshua Kenny

• Energia Women’s XVs Young Player Of The Year - Robyn O’Connor
• Nominees: Dannah O’Brien, Katie Whelan 

• Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s XVs Try Of The Year - Rob Baloucoune (v Italy)
• Nominees: Dan Kelly (v Glasgow Warriors), Tommy O’Brien (v Scotland #1)

• AIB Women’s XVs Try Of The Year - Eve Higgins (v Japan)
• Nominees: Robyn O’Connor (v Italy), Béibhinn Parsons (v Italy #3) 

• TritonLake Women’s 7s Player Of The Year - Megan Burns
• Nominees: Alana McInerney, Robyn O’Connor

• Zurich Contribution To Irish Society Award - Jack Carty 

• Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment Of The Year - Ireland Chasing down the Triple Crown accepted by Stuart McCloskey