D'Arcy wins Irish award

D'Arcy has been in outstanding form for his province and country this season and it came as no surprise when he was honoured by his fellow players.

The hard-running centre received the accolade on Wednesday evening at the fifth Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA) awards ceremony in Dublin.

"The season gets better and better for me both personally and for the teams I have played in," said D'Arcy.

"This is the top rugby award in Ireland and I am delighted to have won it for the second time.

"It gives me great pleasure to win this award as it comes from the people I play with and against throughout the season."

The 27-year-old is the first player to win the prestigious award twice. He played a leading role for Ireland as they won their third Triple Crown in four years, and helped Celtic League leaders Leinster reach the quarter-finals of the European Cup.