Young player accolade for Stockdale
ULSTER star Jacob Stockdale has added yet another award to his already impressive CV after he was last night named the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year at the Zurich Irish Rugby Awards in Dublin.
The 22-year-old has been recognised for the unforgettable form over the past 12 months that saw him set a new record for Six Nations tries in one campaign during Ireland’s Grand Slam season.
His try-scoring feats for both Ulster and Ireland saw him edge out Leinster’s Champions Cup winning duo James Ryan and Jordan Larmour.
Meanwhile, Ulster are sweating over the fitness of skipper Rory Best for their pivotal Champions Cup qualifier with Ospreys at Kingspan Stadium on Sunday after he injured a hamstring in training.
The province have already had to add Iain Henderson, Jean Deysel, Clive Ross and Matty Rea to long-term injury Marcell Coetzee, leaving Jono Gibbes short of options in the back-row.
The departing head coach, who has already been announced as Waikato’s new boss, was bizarrely being linked with the vacant post at La Rochelle yesterday by French media.
ULSTER’S Jacob Stockdale last night won the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year honour at the Zurich Irish Rugby Awards.
The accolade, named after the former Ulster centre who died suddenly in 2012, went to Stockdale after a remarkable year for both his province and the national side.
Twelve months ago, the 22-year-old was still to win his first Ireland cap but, after a try-scoring debut against the USA, he hasn’t looked back.
The Ulster Academy graduate, who also won the Malcolm Brodie Sports Star and George Best Breakthrough at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards earlier this year, has crossed the whitewash 11 times in just nine Test outings, and set a new record with seven tries in the Six Nations.
His try-scoring feats saw him beat out competition from highly decorated Leinster duo Jordan Larmour and James Ryan to scoop the prize.
The top award on the night, the Zurich Players’ Player of the Year, went to Keith Earls.
The 30-year-old wing was in sensational form throughout the year for both Munster and Ireland and was instrumental in the Grand Slam success.
Playing on the opposite wing to Stockdale, the Moyross man may have scored just one try in the Championship but provided plenty of memorable moments aside, including his leap and catch against France.
On receiving his award, Earls commented: “It has been a great season with many special memories for me. For all the successes, there were some challenges along the way too, and so it means a lot to get the recognition of my fellow players across the country.
“I’ve given it my all, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates, friends and of course my family.”
Simon Keogh, CEO of Rugby Players Ireland, added: “Winning a Zurich Irish Rugby Award is one of the highest honours a player can receive in the game here in Ireland.
“There have been many great achievements by Irish players this season, but to be acknowledged by your team-mates and opponents in this manner shows just how much of an impact a player has made throughout the season.
“I am thrilled for Keith who has had a fantastic season, and many before that.”
The event at the Clayton Hotel on the Burlington Road in Dublin also saw Ireland and Leinster legend Brian O’Driscoll welcomed to the BNY Mellon Hall of Fame, while the Women’s XVs Player of the Year honour went to Claire Molloy.