Van der Flier and Jones named Players of the Year by Irish rugby writers

Josh van der Flier and Neve Jones have claimed the top prizes at this year's Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland awards for 2021/22.

The pair were named Men's and Women's XV Player of the Year respectively, voted by members of the rugby media.

For Van der Flier, it's the latest in a series awards, after he also picked up the European Player of the Year crown from the EPCR, as well as being voted best player of the season by his peers at both Leinster rugby, and Rugby Players Ireland.

"I am very proud to have been voted the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men's Player of the Year," the flanker said.

"On a personal and professional level, 2022 has been incredibly special for me and it was wonderful to have our amazing supporters backing us throughout the season. All my teammates at Leinster and Ireland were equally incredible last seasons and I definitely would not be picking up this award without their help.

"I hope that we can keep all improving over the next 12 months as we look ahead to an exciting year for Irish Rugby."

Jones caps off a breakthrough season in the Irish team to claim the women's XV prize, with the Gloucester-Hartpury 23-year-old cementing her place as Ireland's first-choice hooker.

After impressing in the Six Nations, particularly defensively where she finished third in the tournament's tackle count, while also topping the championship's "dominant tackles" with eight.

And her form continued into Ireland's summer tour of Japan, where she scored a hattrick of tries in Ireland's first Test win against Japan in August.

"There is no doubt that this has been the most enjoyable year of my rugby career so far and to be the recipient of this award just tops that off. I was also delighted to be a part of Ireland's