Leinster and Ireland back-row Caelan Doris’ outstanding form has been recognised by his peers after he was crowned the Men’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year 2023 at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards.
Doris has played an integral role in both Ireland and Leinster’s success this season, helping the national side claim a Six Nations Grand Slam and his province reach the United Rugby Championship semi-finals and Champions Cup final.
Players’ Player of the Year 2023
The back-row beat Ireland team-mates and fellow nominees Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan and Dan Sheehan to the award.
“I am honoured to receive this recognition from my fellow players,” Doris said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Ireland hooker Neve Jones was voted Ireland’s Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year for 2023. The other nominees included Ireland captain Nichola Fryday and Deirbhile Nic a Bháird.
“This has been a tough year for the team, but we have shown some great examples of our character and resilience,” Jones said.
“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.”
Jack Crowley named Young Player of the Year
Aoife Dalton claimed the Women’s XVs Young Player of The Year while Ireland 7s captain Lucy Mulhall picked up the Women’s 7s Player of the Year.
Andrew Smith was named the Men’s 7s Player of the Year. Leinster’s Alex Soroka’s contribution through fundraising for the Ukrainian effort was also recognised in his winning of the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award.
Munster star Jack Crowley was presented with the Nevin Spence Men’s Young Player of the Year Award. This year marks the eleventh anniversary of Spence’s passing.
Meanwhile, Ireland captain Johnny Sexton accepted the Moment of the Year Award on behalf of his team for their Six Nations Grand Slam success.
2023 Rugby Players Ireland Awards winners
Men’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year: Caelan Doris
Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year: Neve Jones
Nevin Spence Men’s Young Player of the Year Award: Jack Crowley
Women’s XVs Young Player of The Year: Aoife Dalton
Men’s XVs Try of the Year: Mack Hansen v South Africa
Women’s XVs Try of the Year: Nichola Fryday
Men’s 7s Player of the Year: Andrew Smith
Women’s 7s Player of the Year: Lucy Mulhall
Moment of the Year Award: Ireland’s Six Nations Grand Slam
Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award: Alex Soroka
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