The Irish men's rugby team didn't quite enjoy the best end to 2015 but the Irish women's team just get better and better.
One of the country's most recognisable sporting faces is in line to be named the best women's rugby player in the world.
Second row Sophie Spence was a key part of Ireland's second ever Six Nations title triumph in the springtime, and is regarded as one of the best players in the Northern Hemisphere.
And in recognition of her role in that triumph, and her impact on women's rugby in Ireland, Spence has been nominated along with France captain Gaélle Mignot and New Zealand scrum-half Kendra Cocksedge as the World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year 2015.
Spence earlier this year picked up the Women’s Player of the Year, at the Rugby Writers of Ireland awards, and has been one of Ireland's most important players of the last decade or so.
Speaking ahead of the event, Spence is hopeful that her nomintion can continue to boost the profile of her sport:
"It’s a great honour to be nominated at such a prestigious event and to be able to fly the flag for Irish Women’s rugby at a global level. To be even nominated is personally a great achievement but it is also a reflection of the great success we’ve had as a team over the last twelve months.”
The award will be handed out on Sunday.
