Geordan Murphy, who moved from the wing to play so well at full-back in this season's Six Nations Championship, has been named the Guinness / Irish rugby writers player of the year.
The 25-year-old Leicester star made the full-back berth his own when he replaced the injured Girvan Dempsey against Scotland in Murrayfield, scoring a breakaway try and posing Ian McGecchan's side all sorts of problems.
He went on to excel in the victories over France, Wales and Italy, proving his club form for Leicester - where he has won four league titles and lifted two European Cups - could be reproduced on the international stage.
All-Ireland League Division One table-toppers Clontarf were named club of the year. The Dublin club were beaten in the final by Ballymena but have been rewarded for their efforts over the course of the season.
The awards will be handed out at a ceremony in the Guinness Hopstore this evening.