Caelan Doris and Aoife Wafer take home player of the year honours at Rugby Writers Awards

The Leinster duo accepted their awards in a ceremony at the Guinness Storehouse this evening, after outstanding seasons for both province and country.

Wafer’s impressive performances in the Women’s Six Nations were pivotal to Ireland’s third-place finish, with her impact in the final game against Scotland in particular helping secure qualification for both WXV1 and the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

Doris was one of the key players for Andy Farrell as they claimed a second consecutive men’s Six Nations title in March, captaining the country for the first time against Italy in February.

Mayo native Doris consistently showcased his class not only for Ireland but also for Leinster, delivering strong performances both on the domestic and European stage and has been tipped for Lions captaincy next year.

After receiving the recognition tonight Doris paid tribute to those who had helped him along his journey.

“It’s been a memorable year and I’m very grateful for the unwavering support of our fans and the incredible efforts of my team-mates across Leinster and Ireland,” said the 26-year-old. “This award wouldn’t be possible without them. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together in the coming year.”

Meanwhile, Wafer says she hopes to continue her upward trajectory next year.

“I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished as a team this year, and I’m incredibly thankful for the support of everyone who has been a part of this journey. I’m looking forward to what’s next and continuing to grow as a player and a team-mate,” said the Wexford women.

The Ireland men’s team was named the Dave Guiney RWI team of the year, in recognition of their Six Nations success.

For the third time in her career, Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe has been named the RWI women’s sevens player of the year.

A standout performer for Ireland in their historic first Olympic Games, Murphy Crowe also helped secure the women’s squad’s first World Series gold medal last season, with a crucial try in the final against Australia.

Zac Ward has been awarded the men’s sevens player of the yearafter playing an important role in Ireland’s qualification for the Olympics and their subsequent run to the quarter-finals, where he scored a crucial try against Fiji.

In addition to his sevens success, Ward has transitioned to the 15s format, joining Ulster on a trial basis as well as being selected to start for Emerging Ireland during their South African tour. Also honoured was former Connacht Rugby CEO Gerry Kelly, who was awarded the RWI Tom Rooney Award.

Kelly, who became Connacht’s first CEO in 1999, ushered in the professional era for the province and oversaw significant growth, including an increase in clubs from 16 to 28 and the development of rugby in non-traditional schools.

Kelly has been instrumental in Connacht’s progress and development over the past two decades.

Ballyclare RFC has been voted the RWI Club of the Year. Last season, they played at All-Ireland League level for the first time in their 75-year history having secured promotion through the play-offs.

After edging out Enniskillen to claim the Ulster Championship Division title – the first time they topped the junior ranks in the province – they beat Monkstown 33-28 thanks to a late try from captain Joel McBride.

In a year of firsts for the Co Antrim club, promotion came off the back of winning the All-Ireland junior cup one year after suffering final heartbreak to Clogher Valley.

Finally, recognised prior to the event and honoured at the awards were hall of fame inductees Joy Neville and Keith Wood for their exceptional contributions to rugby throughout their playing careers and thereafter.