Kuba in running for two awards
THE shortlist has been revealed for the Ulster Bank League awards this Thursday and a Sligo player is in the running for two awards.
Kuba Wojtkowicz has been nominated for Regional Player of the Year and also Division 2C Player of the Year.
Kuba has been busy this season, not only being a paramount figure in Sligo seniors achieving their highest- ever position in the League, he was also instrumental in guiding Sligo Grammar School to their semi- final in the Top Oil Schools Senior Cup.
The teenager player a vital role in Head Coach Ross Mannion’s charges as they reversed last year’s relegation fight into a promotion battle, where they were narrowly pipped by Navan and then Old Rainey in their final game.
Kuba’s future is certainly looking bright and this has been recognised with two nominations in the Ulster Bank League Awards.
The Provincial Player of the Year will be decided through public vote and you can vote for Kuba by visiting the Ulster Bank Rugby Facebook page and selecting the Connacht Player of the Year.
The ceremony is being held in the Aviva Stadium for the fifth year and the awards honour the best of club rugby in Ireland.
Last year, Sligo RFC and Ireland U20s Stephen Kerins captured the Connacht Ulster Bank League Player of the Year, with Matthew Cosgrove nominated in the category for Division 2C Player of the Year.
Joe Schmidt noted the success of the Sligo players, referring to Sligo as a hotbed of rugby. The Ireland head coach will be in attendance once again to present the awards to the winners.
Recognising the dedication and commitment shown across all divisions, the Ulster Bank League Awards celebrate the players, coaches and teams who continually strive to be the best in club rugby.
This year will also see the introduction of a new category, ‘ Club Volunteer of the Year’. The award will identify the individuals who work tirelessly in the background at their club and these nominees are put forward by their own club representatives.
Since their introduction in the 2012/ 13 season the Ulster Bank League Awards have become a recognised event on the Irish rugby calendar providing a unique platform from which to honour the rising stars of the game.
The already high standard of the grassroots game showcased throughout the Ulster Bank League season continues to grow in Ireland and provides a pivotal platform for future professionals.
Once again, the Provincial Player of the Year awards will be chosen by public vote with the shortlist nominated by the expert judging panel of pundits Damien O’Meara ( RTE Sport), Donn O’Sullivan ( Limerick Post) and Richard Mulligan ( The Newsletter).
Division 1A and Bateman Cup double winners Cork Constitution lead the way with seven nominations. The Munster outfit’s captain, Niall Kenneally, spent his formative years with Sligo RFC in the Northwest.
Kuba and his fellow nominees will find out on Thursday evening who the winners will be.
Also included is a category for Club PRO of the Year.