Voted Top Player by His Irish Peers

Aucklander Nick Williams, 29, who plays at back row forward for Ulster Rugby, has been presented with Player of the Year at the RaboDirect PRO12 awards gala in Dublin. By beating Irish internationals, Cian Healy – Leinster’s 2013 Lions loose-head – and Munster winger Simon Zebo, Williams who has made such an impact since joining Ulster last summer became only the second overseas player to win the award. A delighted Williams said: “It is an honour to be recognised with this award, especially as it’s voted for by the players.” Williams made 37 appearances with the Auckland Blues. Between 2008 and 2010 he played for Munster.