Leinster prop Cian Healy, Munster back Simon Zebo and Ulster number eight Nick Williams have been nominated by the Irish Rugby Union Players' Association, (Irupa) for the Player of the Year award.

Zebo is also in contention for the try of the year with his touchdown against Wales in this year's Six Nations Championship, pitching him against Ulster forward Iain Henderson for his effort against Saracens in the Heineken Cup and Ulster team-mate Craig Gilroy. The young winger is nominated for his score against Argentina in the Autumn Series.

Voted for by professional players across the country, the award is one of seven which will be announced at the annual ceremony on May 8th at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel.

Among the other awards is the Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year, contested this year by Connacht fullback Rob Henshaw, Leinster’s outhalf Ian Madigan and Ulster inside centre Luke Marshall.

Player Player of the Year: Cian Healy (Leinster) N Williams (Ulster) S Zebo (Munster). Nevin Spence Young Player of the Year: R Henshaw (Connacht), I Madigan (Leinster) L Marshall (Ulster).

Try of the Year: C Gilroy (Ireland v Argentina); I Henderson (Saracens v Ulster); S Zebo (Ireland v Wales).

Medal for Excellence : I Boss (Leinster), C Henry (Ulster), M Horan (Munster). Hall of Fame, Unsung Hero ,

Supporters Players of the Year – all to be announced on Wednesday, May 8th.