Robbie Henshaw shortlisted in three categories for IRUPA awards

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell will compete with Conor Murray, Robbie Henshaw and Jonathan Sexton for the accolade of the the Hibernia College IRUPA Players' Player of the Year 2015.

Ireland’s Rugby Players Association (IRUPA) have confirmed nominations across several categories for their awards ceremony that takes place in Dublin on Wednesday, May 13th. The Skerries-born former England scrumhalf Kyran Bracken will act as master of ceremonies on the night.

O’Connell will be favourite to land the award, although he faces competition from fellow Munster man Murray, Connacht centre Henshaw, and Sexton.

Henshaw, who scored his first try for Ireland against England in the Six Nations victory at the Aviva Stadium, is also looking to claim the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year accolade for the third year in succession. He will contest the award with Leinster duo Jack Conan and Jack McGrath.

Ulster wing Craig Gilroy is looking to complete a hat-trick of his own as he has once again been shortlisted for the Volkswagen Try of the Year for his effort against the Scarlets.

Henshaw is also in that category with the aforementioned try against England while Connacht team-mate and scrumhalf Kieran Marmion is nominated for his individual effort in a Pro12 match against Leinster.

IRUPA Board Member and Player of the Year 2014, Andrew Trimble, admitted: "To be nominated for an IRUPA Award is such a fantastic achievement, it really is a great honour to be recognised by your fellow players."

Exceptional commitment

Chris Henry

(Ulster),

Felix Jones

(Munster) and

Michael Swift

(Connacht) have been nominated for the Hibernia College Medal for Excellence, which recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the game both on and off field; a player who matches their playing and training with team support, studies, work, mentoring, charity and community involvement.

Ulster's Callum Black, Leinster winger Darragh Fanning and Denis Hurley of Munster have been shortlisted for the IRUPA 3 Unsung Hero Award.

Following its introduction last year the Zurich Contribution to Society award will be given to a player or former player who has made a significant impact to society outside of rugby.

Other awards that can be voted for by member of the public are the Supporters’ Player of the Year and the Women’s Sevens Player of the Year while the BNY Mellon Hall of Fame award will also be announced on the night.