Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the first set of nominees for the 2026 Connacht Rugby Awards.
This year’s event takes places on Saturday 16th May, which for the first time will be held on Atlantic Premium Level of the new Clan Stand at Dexcom Stadium.
There are 17 awards in all, from club and school level to the Connacht player pathway and senior men’s and women’s sides. The evening will pay tribute to the performances of our players, coaches and volunteers at all levels of the game.
Nominees for most awards are listed below, with further nominees to be announced as we get closer to the event.
2026 CONNACHT RUGBY AWARD NOMINEES
U18 Men’s Player of the Year
Ruben Flynn – Corinthians RFC / Cistercian College Roscrea
JJ Phillips – Galwegians RFC / Coláiste Iognáid
Dara Walsh – Corinthians RFC / Coláiste Éinde
U18 Women’s Player of the Year, sponsored by RDJ
Evie Kennedy – Ballina RFC / St Mary's Ballina
Anna McDermott – Ballinasloe RFC
Roisín O’Sullivan – Ballinasloe RFC / Clonfert College
U19 Men’s Player of the Year
Leo Anic – Creggs RFC / CBS Roscommon
Andrew Henson – Buccaneers RFC / Marist College
Ferdia O’Braonain – Corinthians RFC / Coláiste Chroí Mhuire
Academy Player of the Year
Billy Bohan
Seán Naughton
Matthew Victory
Referee of the Year, sponsored by Heineken
David Andreu
David Burke
Cian Hough
Coach of the Year, sponsored by Deloitte
Gregg Glynn – St. Raphael’s Loughrea
Steve Goode – Ballinasloe RFC
Brendan Guilfoyle – Galwegians RFC
Women’s Club Player of the Year
Kelly Haugh – Creggs RFC
Fódhla Ní Bhraonáin – Tuam RFC
Ursula Sammon – Westport RFC
Men’s Junior Club Player of the Year, sponsored by laya
Cormac Lyons – Westport RFC
Dean O’Reilly – Creggs RFC
Calum Quinn – Ballina RFC
Men’s Senior Club Player of the Year
Dylan Keane – Galwegians RFC
Stephen Mannion – Galwegians RFC
Kuba Wojtkowicz – Sligo Rugby
School of the Year
Nominees to be announced Wednesday 6th May.
Club of the Year
Nominees to be announced Thursday 7th May.
Connacht Rugby Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Aerogen
Winner announced on the night.
Fans’ Player of the Year, sponsored by Murty Rabbitts
Nominees announced Sunday 10th May.
Try of the Year, sponsored by Dexcom
Nominees announced Tuesday 12th May.
Women’s Player of the Year
Nominees announced Thursday 14th May.
Men’s Player of the Year, sponsored by Genesys
Nominees announced Friday 15th May.
Lifetime Contribution to Connacht Rugby Award, sponsored by Galway Crystal
Winner announced on the night.
