Rugby - Gordon D’Arcy

In Rugby, the this year’s Texaco Award goes to 24-year old Ireland and Leinster centre Gordon D’Arcy. First capped for Ireland for their World Cup game against Romania in October 1999 , D’Arcy was the only player from these islands nominated for the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year Award. His adventurous, attacking running and crucial tries made him a key figure in helping Ireland to achieve their first Triple Crown success since 1985. His performances also saw him voted the outstanding player of the Six Nations tournament.