In order to settle the age-old question of who Ulster’s All-Time Favourite Rugby Player is, Vodafone decided to ask the people who are most vociferous on the subject – the fans.

When Vodafone, official partner of Ulster Rugby, invited fans to let them know who  their favourite Ulster rugby player is the fans responded with an emphatic “David Humphreys” and at an event in Ravenhill, Claire Dunnion, Marketing Manager Vodafone Northern Ireland presented David with a specially-engraved Tryone Crystal trophy to mark the achievement.

Speaking at the event, Clare said, “I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that David Humphreys has been voted the fans’ favourite.  He is a consummate sportsman, ably representing both Ulster and Ireland.  It was striking how many voters mentioned his personal attributes as well as his rugby skills when voting for him.  Well done David!”

On being presented with the Vodafone All-Time Favourite Ulster Rugby Player Award, David said, “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and to be considered alongside Ulster greats such as Jack Kyle, Willie John McBride and Mike Gibson. It is even more special to me that the supporters voted for this award and it really is a lovely way to round off the end of my Ulster career.”

Michael Reid CEO at Ulster Rugby, said, “Working at Ulster Rugby it is obvious how much respect the other players have for David.  He has been an outstanding ambassador for Ulster and Irish Rugby over the years.”

In the poll, which ran over a period of six weeks and received votes from every corner of Ireland and the UK, the Ulster and Ireland outhalf received over half the total vote, polling a hefty 54%, with Lions, Ireland and Ulster second row, Willie John McBride coming second with 10.5% of the votes cast.  Classy centre, Mike Gibson, another Ulster Lions and Ireland player, was not far behind polling 10% of the overall vote.

Jack Kyle and Tommy Bowe are two others from today and yesterday to find favour with the fans.  They each received 5.75% of the total votes cast.  Current Ireland and Ulster centre, Andrew Trimble took 6^th place with 2.5% and former Ireland and Ulster captain Andy Ward was in 7^th place with 1.5%.

Others to be mentioned in the voting included many old – and not so old - favourites such as  Nigel Carr, Willie Duncan, Paddy Johns, Neil Best, Trevor Ringland, Tyrone Howe, Keith Crossan, Philip Matthews, Neil McMillen and Shane Stewart.