IRELAND Women’s player and Harlequins back-row Aoife Wafer, and Ireland Men’s player and Munster captain Tadhg Beirne have been named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s and Men’s Players of the Year. These awards acknowledge their significant contributions to both club and country throughout the 2024/2025 season.
Wafer claiming the award for the second year in a row is the culmination of what was another remarkable season in green. The 22-year-old was part of Ireland’s statement victory against New Zealand in WXV1, earned the 2025 Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship award and showed tremendous determination to recover from injury and play a part in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
Accepting her award at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Aoife said: “I am truly honoured to have been recognised once again this year by the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland. While we have achieved some big goals this year, we were disappointed with our finish at the World Cup but the experience has only strengthened our determination to improve and come back stronger.
“Thank you to everyone who got behind the team throughout this year. I am incredibly thankful for the support of my family, friends and teammates throughout a challenging year. I’m especially grateful for the medical team, particularly Ed Mias and Emma Galvin, who looked after my rehab and gave me the opportunity to perform in a groundbreaking World Cup, and also a childhood dream. I can’t wait to continue building the green wave alongside the team towards some exciting new chapters this year.”
Beirne’s consistent excellence for club and country sees the Munster captain earn his first Player of the Year selection by the Rugby Writers of Ireland. 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.
Galway native Hannah Clarke was chosen as the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s 7s Player of the Year. Ireland’s top try-scorer in what was her debut season, the 20-year-old is part of the IRFU’s centrally contracted squad and scored the match-winning try for Connacht as the province claimed third place over Ulster in this year’s interprovincial series.
Recognised prior to the event and honoured at the awards for their exceptional contributions to rugby throughout their playing careers and thereafter were Hall of Fame inductees Nora Stapleton and Ulster’s Nigel Carr. Stapleton, a 50-times capped Irish fly-half, was instrumental in the 2013 Grand Slam and 2014 win over New Zealand, and now leads Women in Sport for Sport Ireland. MBE Carr, an 11-times capped Irish openside flanker, was key to the 1985 Triple Crown and remains a significant contributor to the sport and community.
Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Awards 2025 – Winners
Women’s XV Player of the Year:
Aoife Wafer
Men’s XV Player of the Year:
Tadhg Beirne
Men’s 7s Player of the Year:
Dylan O’Grady
Women’s 7s Player of the Year:
Hannah Clarke
Dave Guiney Team of the Year:
British and Irish Lions
Club of the Year:
Nenagh Ormond
Tom Rooney Award:
Hendrik Kruger
Hall of Fame Inductees:
Nora Stapleton
Nigel Carr
Fred Cogley Award:
Frank Quinn
John D. O’Brien
