“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.”
Caelan Doris of Leinster. (Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile)‘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.
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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