D'Arcy, Wallace, Hayes shortlisted

IRUPA awards nominations:Munster duo John Hayes and David Wallace as well as Leinster's Gordon D'Arcy have been short-listed for the IRUPA (Irish Rugby Union Players Association) Players' Player of the Year award. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in the O'Reilly Hall, UCD, this day fortnight, April 25th.

All three are worthy candidates having excelled for both their provinces and Ireland, the latter campaign including a Triple Crown triumph almost cemented by an outright Six Nations Championship victory.

A total of six awards will be presented on the night, the gala dinner a celebration of players who made the biggest contribution both on and off the field during the 2006-2007 season.

Connacht centre and chairman of IRUPA Mark McHugh pointed out: "Winning an award voted for by players who you play and compete against is the best tribute for any rugby player. This awards ceremony will celebrate those players who dominated the season but will also raise much needed funds for the IRUPA Injured Players Fund."

The categories include the Newcomer of the Year which pits a couple of players who made their senior Irish debuts this season in Ulster's Stephen Ferris and Leinster's Luke Fitzgerald, alongside Connacht's excellent young prospect Daniel Riordan.PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2007: Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster), John Hayes (Munster), David Wallace (Munster).

UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR 2007: John Hayes (Munster), T Hogan (Leinster), Stephen Keogh (Leinster).

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR 2007: S Ferris (Ulster), L Fitzgerald (Leinster), D Riordan (Connacht).

TRY OF YEAR 2007: Simon Easterby (Ireland v Italy), Shane Horgan (Ireland v England), Stephen Keogh (Leinster v Gloucester).

HALL OF FAME 2007: Nomination issued on Tuesday, April 17th.

SPECIAL MERIT AWARD 2007: Award winner announced on Wednesday, April 25th.