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McCloskey & Moloney-MacDonald Claim Top Honours at RPI Awards

20th May 2026

Category: Engage

McCloskey & Moloney-MacDonald Claim Top Honours at RPI Awards

Ulster Rugby and Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey was this evening recognised by his fellow players as the OCC Consulting Men’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year 2026 at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road.

A hugely influential figure throughout the season for both province and country, the award caps an extraordinary campaign for the 33-year-old. McCloskey edged out an outstanding shortlist featuring fellow Triple Crown winners Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan, and last year’s Players’ Player of the Year and British & Irish Lions Player of the Series, Tadhg Beirne.

Speaking after receiving the award, Stuart McCloskey said: “I’m not sure there’s any world in which I would have imagined myself receiving this award this time last year. I’ve really enjoyed this season and having the opportunity to test myself against the very best in the game. I’m also honoured to share the field with many great players, and to have this acknowledgment from them is very special.”

Meanwhile, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald was named the OCC Consulting Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year ahead of fellow nominees Eve Higgins and Brittany Hogan. Having made her debut in 2015, Moloney-MacDonald is one of Irish Rugby’s longest-serving internationals and won her 50^th cap during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Recalled in 2024 after a three-year hiatus, Moloney-MacDonald has brought invaluable experience to a young and exciting squad that played before a record crowd last weekend.

Speaking following her win, Moloney MacDonald said: “It feels like I’ve had two different careers with Ireland. It hasn’t been an easy road at times but the team is now in a great place and well positioned to become a real force at the top of the women’s game. I’m proud to have played my part over the years and while award feels like a full circle moment, I know there is plenty of road in the journey to go.”

Despite a big European weekend on the horizon, many of the biggest names in Irish rugby were present on the night as hosts Barry Murphy and Andrew Trimble reflected on a memorable season across the professional game.

The Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award was presented to retiring Connacht Rugby out-half Jack Carty in recognition of his continued advocacy and community engagement, as well as his work across Tackle Your Feelings and other charitable causes. A firm advocate of Rugby Players Ireland’s work, Carty was also recognised for the way in which he has prepared for life beyond the game through the establishment of his businesses Cognitive Blends and Project Padel.

The MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s XVs Try of the Year went to Ulster wing Rob Baloucoune, while Eve Higgins added to her evening’s success by claiming the AIB Women’s XVs Try of the Year following a memorable breakaway score during Ireland’s World Cup campaign.

Nominated in three different categories, Robyn O’Connor prevailed as the Energia Women’s XVs Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough season that included a try-scoring Irish debut, while Ulster Rugby’s Bryn Ward was the Nevin Spence Men’s XVs Young Player of the Year Award.

Further accolades on the night saw Megan Burns named as the Triton Lake Women’s 7s Player of the Year, Ireland’s successful pursuit of another Triple Crown as the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year with McCloskey’s dramatic chase-down tackle against England serving as the defining image of the campaign.

Simon Keogh, CEO of Rugby Players Ireland added: “It may not be a season that immediately stands out in the public consciousness, but when you step back and look at what was achieved, there is a huge amount to be proud of. Ireland came within touching distance of a Men’s Six Nations title, broke attendance records in the women’s game, and now has two provinces preparing for European finals this weekend. To consistently reach those standards, an enormous amount of work takes place behind the scenes. That is what makes these awards so meaningful. To be recognised by your peers remains one of the highest honours in the game. Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and nominees whose efforts continue to drive Irish rugby forward.”

OCC CONSULTING MEN’S XVs PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2026

Stuart McCloskey

Nominees: Tadhg Beirne, Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan

OCC CONSULTING WOMEN’S XVs PLAYERS’ PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2026

Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald

Nominees: Eve Higgins, Brittany Hogan

NEVIN SPENCE MEN’S XVs YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2026

Bryn Ward

Nominees: Billy Bohan, Joshua Kenny

ENERGIA WOMEN’s XVs YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2026

Robyn O’Connor

Nominees: Dannah O’Brien, Katie Whelan