Offaly star named as one of the Guinness Rugby Writers Players of the Year

Offaly's own Nichola Fryday and Connacht and Ireland hero Bundee Aki have been announced as Guinness rugby writers' players of the year men’s and women’s fifteen players of the year respectively.

These awards acknowledge their achievements and consistent performances throughout the 2022/2023 season for both club and country.

Recently retired Fryday featured as a strong leader throughout a challenging final season for the Ireland women’s team. Stepping away from international level last July, Nichola enjoyed the highs and lows of the game throughout 34 appearances in green.

Named International captain in 2022, the Tullamore native has enjoyed success through her club career with Exeter Chiefs with whom she reached the Premier XVs final last season.  

Nichola Fryday was honoured to receive her award stating: “It is a huge privilege to be named the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Women’s Player of the Year. It has been a bitter-sweet season but a journey I am grateful to have been part of for the last 7 years.  

"I feel very proud to have captained a very special group of players with Ireland who epitomised resilience, dedication and commitment to the jersey. I would also like to thank the many people throughout my International career who supported me and made the journey a memorable one.” 

Ireland and Connacht centre Bundee Aki has had one of his best seasons to date. As the Irish men’s team claimed Grand Slam victory in March, along with a gallant pursuit at World Cup success last year Aki was also nominated for World Player of the Year. 

Bundee has been in the form of his life contributing significantly for Ireland but also across the season for Connacht, both domestically in the league and on the European stage. 

Speaking about receiving the accolade Bundee stated: “It is an honour to have been voted the Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Men’s Player of the Year for last season. All of my teammates at Connacht and Ireland are deserving of recognition for their commitment and contribution to the game and I would not be picking up this award without their support. The journey of Irish Rugby is an exciting one and I look forward to the season ahead.”