ULSTER AND IRELAND wing Andrew Trimble was last night unveiled as the Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) Players’ Player of the year.
The honour comes in the wake of a season in which Trimble began with much uncertainty over his future international involvement and climaxed with, what was for most, a man-of-the-match display in Ireland’s Six Nations decider against France in Paris.
Ulster’s record try-scorer has touched down six times for his province so far this campaign including one in the intense atmosphere of the Heineken Cup pool trip to Montpellier. The 29-year-old added five caps and three tries for his country, including a pivotal score in the Championship Finale.
“It is an honour to be recognised with this award, especially as it’s voted for by the players,” said Trimble after taking the prize ahead of Peter O’Mahony and Devin Toner. ”It’s been a great season and this really tops it all off.”
The other main award of the night went to Robbie Henshaw, who was named IRUPA Young Player of the Year for the second successive season having made contributions like this gorgeous try-assist seem routine.
Rob Kearney was handed the Try of the Year award for intercepting and finishing Ireland’s third and final try against New Zealand in November.
Other awards on the night included the induction of Simon Best into the IRUPA Hall of Fame, the Unsung Hero award for James Coughlan, Devin Toner was voted as the Supporter’ Player of the Year and his Leinster team-mate Shane Jennings was honoured with the Medal for Excellence, awarded for commitment to the game both on and off the field.
