CJ Stander and Josh van der Flier’s excellent seasons rightly rewarded

CJ Stander has become the first Irish-qualified international to win the Players' Player of the Year award.

The Munster back-row has claimed the top prize - voted for by his peers - at the Irish Rugby Union Players Association awards. The South African, who made his Ireland debut against Wales in February, had a tremendous Six Nations and won the nation's staunch approval with his rendition of Amhránn na bhFiann. https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/696812250594742272 He will be a key player on his adopted country's Test series against the Springboks. Stander said:

"I’m delighted to win this award. Receiving recognition from my fellow peers is the ultimate accolade. "I will remember this season fondly, from winning my first cap, to scoring my first international try [against Italy] and, ultimately, winning this award."

IRUPA chief executive Omar Hassanein notes that the award is 'the highest honour a player can receive'. "All of the winners and nominees have the total respect of those who they play with and against," he added. "I am delighted for CJ, the award he received is a superb reflection of the fantastic season he has enjoyed with both Ireland and Munster Rugby." Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier, who also debuted for Ireland in the Six Nations, has been named Young Player of the Year. Van der Flier was a force of nature for Leinster and never flinched for a moment once he stepped up to the Test arena. Sene Naoupu, who was a shining light for Ireland and another recent convert to our cause, won the Women's Player of the Year while Amee Leigh-Murphy won the Sevens equivalent. There was a rapturous reception for Ronan O'Gara, this evening, as he was officially inducted into the IRUPA Hall of Fame.