Bundee Aki has been recognised as BDO Ireland Men’s XVs players’ player of the year for 2024, an honour bestowed upon him by his colleagues during the Rugby Players Ireland awards. He was selected over stiff competition, including Jamison Gibson-Park and Dan Sheehan. His nominations also included consideration for the World Rugby player of the year and the Six Nations player of the championship.
Participating consistently in the previous year’s Grand Slam just as he did in 2018, Aki escalated his performance during the World Cup, maintaining a presence in every minute of Ireland’s five matches. He reiterated his prowess with unmissable participation in this season’s Six Nations except for the round-two match against Italy, assisting Ireland in retaining their title.
Prior to this season, Aki had succeeded in scoring 10 tries in 46 Tests. His exceptional try against the All Blacks during the World Cup marked his fifth in the tournament and sixth in consecutive six games, incorporating the preliminary victory over England.
Upon receipt of the award at a grand banquet in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin, Aki said, “I’m touched to be acknowledged by fellow Rugby Players Ireland members as the player of the year.” This award adds to his catalogue of personal accolades, including the Rugby Writers’ of Ireland player of the year for 2023.
He stated that his reflection on the season would not focus on the outcomes or awards, but rather on the resilience of his team and how they rebounded post the Rugby World Cup disappointment. He attributed his individual awards to his teammates for their constant encouragement.
Now in his 10th season with the province, Aki is only the second player from Connacht to secure this award, following Johnny O’Connor in 2011, who was then playing with Wasps.
Sweeping up both the Strata Financial Women’s XVs players’ player of the year and Energia Women’s XVs young player of the year awards was Aoife Wafer. After recovering from a lengthy injury, the Wexford-based player made effective use of her return to international rugby, eager to compensate for her time away in the Irish jersey.
At only 21, Wafer has demonstrated exceptional leadership within her team, leading them to a third-place finish and securing a spot at the Rugby World Cup. Her excellent displays in the Irish back row have earned her a nomination for the Six Nations player of the championship award.
Reflecting on her achievements, Wafer expressed that the past few months have been the pinnacle of her career so far. Despite finding it hard to believe considering her initial position, she confessed that her personal gameplay was satisfactory. According to her, thriving off the squad’s energy played a significant role in her performance. She emphasized the sense of camaraderie within this tight-knit group who supports each other through highs and lows. Wafer is excited about what the future holds for them as a team.
The annual awards banquet saw the attendance of some of the most significant figures in Irish rugby. Barry Murphy and Andrew Trimble once again took to the podium to host the ceremony. Keith Earls, who retired recently, won the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society award. Conor Murray delivered a portrait to the past chair of Rugby Players Ireland, Johnny Sexton, on behalf of the association’s membership.
Munster’s superb first try against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium in October, accomplished by Craig Casey, won the Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s XVs Try of the Year award. Joe McCarthy, a lock from Leinster, beat out Tom Ahern and Jack Crowley, last year’s winner, to become the Nevin Spence Men’s XVs Young Player of the Year.
TritonLake Men’s Sevens Player’s Player of the Year 2024, was awarded to Zac Ward whereas Megan Burns received the TritonLake Women’s Sevens Player’s Player of the Year. The AIB Corporate Banking Women’s XVs Try of the Year award went to Katie Corrigan. The celebration of Ireland’s victory in the Six Nations was voted as the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort moment of the year.
Rugby Players Ireland chairperson, Peter O’Mahony, concluded the event, expressing what an honour it was to reflect on another successful year for Irish rugby. He acknowledged that, while many expected transitions, there always appeared to be someone ready to step forward, thanks to the support from entities such as Rugby Players Ireland, which continues to enable players to excel both on and off the field.