Rugby:The awards just keep coming for Leinster after fullback Rob Kearney was today named ERC European Player of the Year.
The 26-year-old started every one of Leinster’s nine Heineken Cup games on the way to retaining the trophy with victory over Ulster at Twickenham last Saturday.
Kearney, who succeeds team-mate Seán O’Brien as winner of the award, scored six tries during the campaign in a series of high-quality displays stages.
Kearney scored two tries in the quarter-final victory over the Cardiff Blues, then followed that up by creating a try for Cian Healy and landing a superb drop goal in the thrilling semi-final success against ASM Clermont Auvergne, before playing a key role in Leinster's record-breaking 42-14 final win over Ulster.
Kearney was presented with his award, a specially struck gold medal, by ERC chief executive, Derek McGrath, at a ceremony in ERC offices in Dublin today.
“Rob was both rock-solid in defence and inspirational in attack during what was another magnificent Heineken Cup campaign for our 2012 champions, Leinster,” said McGrath.
“He scored six tries, ran powerfully, kicked superbly and the sheer all-round quality of his performances made him an excellent choice as ERC European Player of the Year 2012.”
“It really is an honour to have won this award,” said Kearney. “While I am delighted with the recognition, an individual player is powerless without the support of his team-mates. So I owe this to the Leinster squad, to the management and to all the backroom staff at the club.”
The shortlist for the award is judged by a four-man panel, which includes
Irish Times
rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley, with the 44 clubs taking part in European competitions and the public also having an input.
Others in contention were Kearney’s Leinster team-mate Jonathan Sexton, the Ulster duo of Stephen Ferris and Ruan Pienaar and Toulon outhalf Jonny Wilkinson.
