As Ireland won their second straight Six Nations championship, Aki was a vital member of the team and was nominated for World Player of the Year in 2023.

Dan Sheehan and Jamison Gibson-Park of Leinster were both nominated for the same prize.

Aki on winning the award, said: “I’m honoured to be recognised by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members as their Player of the Year. It has been bittersweet but when I look back on the season, I won’t think about the results or awards. Instead, I’ll look back with pride at being part of such a resilient group, and the way we bounced back after the disappointment of the Rugby World Cup.”

“Awards for individuals are great, but without Jamison, Dan, or any of my Irish or Connacht teammates pushing me forward, this one would not have been possible.”

Both the Energia Women's XVs Young Player of the Year and the Strata Financial Women's XVs Players' Player of the Year went to Aoife Wafer, who was victorious in both categories.

Ireland's comeback from a dismal 2023 to place third in the Six Nations and earn a spot in the Rugby World Cup 2025 was largely attributed to Wafer.

Additionally, the 21-year-old received a nomination for Six Nations Player of the competition.

“The past few months have been the highlight of my career to date,” Wafer continued after accepting the prize.

“Considering where I was a short while ago, I find it hard to believe. Even though I was pleased with my own performance, I truly benefited from the team's enthusiasm.”

“Our gang is really tight. On good days and especially on bad, we support one another. We seem to have reached a significant turning point in our path this year, and I'm excited to see where our group can go as a whole.”

Leinster's second row Nevin Spence Men's XVs Young Player of the Year Joe McCarthy was chosen ahead of Tom Ahern and Jack Crowley, the winner of the previous year.

The AIB Corporate Banking Women's XVs Try of the Year went to Katie Corrigan, while Crag Casey's try against Leinster in November was declared the try of the year.