Tadhg Beirne announced as Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player Of The Year

Kildare's Tadhg Beirne has been named as the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men’s Players of the Year, while 22-year-old Harlequins back-row Aoife Wafer has been named Women’s Players of the Year for the second year in a row.

The awards acknowledge these players’ significant contributions to both club and country throughout the 2024/2025 season.

Beirne’s consistent excellence at the highest level sees the Munster captain earn the award for the very first time.

The 33-year-old capped off another stellar season by earning Player of the Series for the British and Irish Lions during their test series win in Australia.

Andy Farrell’s Lions side, which included 18 Irish players, was named the Dave Guiney Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Team of the Year in recognition of their test series triumph.

Upon receiving the recognition, Eadestown native Beirne said: "I'm honoured to receive the 2025 Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men's Player of the Year award.

“It’s been a memorable year for myself personally, and while we didn’t achieve everything we wanted to with Ireland and Munster, getting that win in Australia with the Lions was something I’ll look back as one of the best memories of my career.

“No individual reward in rugby can be acknowledged without mentioning the support and efforts of my teammates, at club and national level.

“I never take being part of these special groups for granted and I’m excited to kick on with them ahead of an exciting part of the season.”