Best in Ireland.

Last week saw the nominees for the Zurich Irish Rugby Players’ Player of the Year Award revealed. This comes ahead of the up and coming ceremony, and it highlights some of the excellent performances that have been seen throughout the year. Nominations were made at both international and provincial levels.

In addition to the Player of the Year Award, there is also an award that recognises the achievements of players off the field.

This is the Zurich Contribution to Society Award, and for this particular award, three nominees can be put forward. Nominations have been revealed for the various categories, so many players and rugby professionals will now be on tenterhooks waiting for the big reveal later this month.

The Categories and Nominations

Undoubtedly, many sports fans will be rooting for their favourite players from among the nominees that have been filling the Player of the Year slots. So, let’s take a look at some of the categories and the sports professionals who have been nominated within each one.

Zurich Players’ Player of the Year Award

In this category, four players have been nominated, and the nominees will come as no surprise to fans of Irish rugby. Those that have been nominated are Andrew Conway (Munster Rugby), James Lowe (Leinster Rugby), Garry Ringrose (Leinster Rugby), and John Cooney (Ulster Rugby).

Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year Award

Another award category where nominations have been revealed is the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year Award. Three players have been nominated for this coveted award, and this includes Ryan Baird (Leinster Rugby), Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby), and Shane Daly (Munster Rugby).

Try of the Year Award

There is also an award given for Try of the Year, and several players have been put forward for this award. So, who has been shortlisted for this award for 2020? Well, here is the rundown: John Cooney (Ulster Rugby VS Clermont Heineken Champions Cup), Andrew Conway (Ospreys VS Munster Rugby Heineken Champions Cup), and Robin Copeland (Connacht Rugby VS Gloucester Rugby Heineken Champions Cup).

Women’s XVs Player of the Year Award

There is also an award given for the Women’s XVs Player of the Year, and several players have been shortlisted for this year’s award. So, let’s take a look at the nominees – they are Edel McMahon, Linda Djougang, and Cliodhna Moloney.

Zurich Contribution to Society Award

As mentioned earlier, there is also an award given to a player off the field to recognize an outstanding contribution. This is the Zurich Contribution to Society Award, and three nominees have been put forward for the 2020 award. They are Billy Holland, Ultan Dillane, and Andrew Porter.

Women’s and Men’s 7s Player of the Year Awards

There are also awards given for both the Women’s and Men’s 7s Player of the Year, and three names have been put forward to each of the two categories. In the Women’s Player of the Year category, the nominees are Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, Kathy Baker, and Louise Galvin. In the Men’s Player of the Year category, the nominees are Terry Kennedy, Jordan Conroy, and Harry McNulty.

All Worthy of Winning

While nobody knows who will walk away with one of these coveted awards yet, there is no doubt that all the nominees are worthy winners. Many rugby fans will be looking forward to finding out whether their favourite player becomes one of the award-winners for 2020.