Toner in line for prestigious award

Lock forward Devin Toner is in line for the Hibernia College IRUPA (Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association) Players’ Player of the Year Award for 2014 after he has nominated along with Munster flanker Peter O’Mahony and Ulster winger Andrew Trimble.

The Moynlavey man made a huge impression as he put in a series of impressive performances for Ireland on the way to the Six Nations championship title.

Toner has been a permanent fixture on Irish teams since former Leinster coach Joe Schmidt took the reins and the Meathman has responded with some excellent displays.

The IRUPA are the only national awards voted for by the players themselves, with the all the professionals in the four provinces entitled to cast their vote.

Toner was prominent during the Autumn internationals with his display against New Zealand particularly noteworthy. He went on to put in a series of consistent displays in the Six Nations with Ireland clinching the title with a dramatic victory in Paris.