LEINSTER BACK ROW Sean O’Brien was quick to pay tribute to his provincial team-mates as he accepted the prestigious ERC European Player of the Year Award in Dublin yesterday.

The 24-year-old capped an impressive season by topping a five-man shortlist of the sport’s top names, pipping fellow Leinster stars Jamie Heaslip and Isa Nacewa in the process.

Northampton Saints’ Soane Tonga’uiha and Sergio Parisse of Stade Francais were the other heavyweights also under consideration by the selection committee.

The Tullow native was an ever-present in Leinster’s march towards a second Heineken Cup success, starting all nine of the province’s games in this season’s tournament and winning three Man of the Match awards.

“It’s been a fantastic year for me, and more importantly for Leinster,” said O’Brien yesterday. “It’s great to be presented with an award like this, but it has more to do with the team than it has to do with me.”

With Leinster seeking to become the first side to win a Magners League-Heineken Cup double when they take on Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday, O’Brien pointed out that his truly memorable season was not yet at an end.

“Hopefully, this is only the start rather than the end of our success in Europe, and of course, we’ve got another trophy to aim at this weekend,” he said.

Making the presentation to O’Brien at the RDS yesterday, ERC chief executive Derek McGrath paid tribute to the player’s individual contribution throughout the campaign.

“Sean was an inspirational character at the heart of the Leinster pack in their victorious Heineken Cup season and proved himself to be a major force both as a ball carrier and defender,” said McGrath.

He played across the back row, scored vital tries and picked up three Heineken Man of the Match awards. His power, athleticism and consistency over the course of the Heineken Cup made him an excellent choice for the ERC European Player of the Year Award.