Stuart McCloskey was named the OCC Consulting Men’s 15s Players’ Player of the Year award following a terrific season for Ulster and Ireland. The centre was voted the winner after his standout performances for Ireland this year, where he was nominated for the Guinness Six Nations Player of the Tournament.
McCloskey has also been an integral member of the Ulster side who fought their way to the EPCR Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao.
It wasn't his only award of the night, as McCloskey also accepted the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year award for the Ireland team chasing down the Triple Crown in this year's Six Nations.
McCloskey's chase down tackle on Marcus Smith at Twickenham will live long in the memory for Irish fans as a standout Six Nations moment.
His teammate at Ulster, Robert Baloucoune, was the winner of the MSL Mercedes Benz Ballsbridge Men’s 15s Try of the Year for his effort against Italy.
A try made in Ulster, as Stuart McCloskey's Quarter-Back style throw sent Baloucoune into space, and the dangerous wing made sure of the score with a trademark finish.
There was also an award for Ulster forward, Bryn Ward, who was named the Nevin Spence Men’s 15s Young Player of the Year, in recognition of his very impressive breakthrough season as an Academy player at Senior level.
Ward made his senior debut earlier this season against the Lions in Johannesburg, proudly taking to the field alongside his older brother, Zac, in the starting XV.
To make the award even more special, Ward and the late Nevin Spence were both Ballynahinch RFC players, so the award was a proud achievement for everybody associated with the club.
His award was accepted by departing Ulster Academy player, Wilhelm De Klerk, with Ward out in Bilbao for the Challenge Cup Final.
