The Munster team, who brought the country to a standstill last May, will receive the prestigious ESB/Rehab award next Saturday at a ceremony in the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

The public nomination for the award is recognition that the team has contributed to enhancing the lives of Irish people everywhere. There was no proof greater than on match day, when thousands of supporters gathered in front of the big screen on O'Connell Street in Limerick to cheer on their team in Cardiff.

When asked what the secret to their 23-19 win over Biarritz was, man of the match, Peter Stringer said: "I think it's something that comes from where we are, where we live, the people that are around us. It's a special place to be."

A spokesman for the rugby champions said that he was unaware that they were to receive the award. He said the team would attend the ceremony.