Noel Murphy received the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service, one of rugby's highest accolades, in recognition of remarkable achievements in the game as a player, coach and leading administrator.

Murphy was capped 41 times for Ireland between 1958 and 1969 including five Tests as captain.

In playing for Ireland, he emulated the achievement of his father and when his son Kenny was also capped in 1990, the Murphy family became the first to have a father, son and grandson capped by senior level. They still hold this unique record.

An all-action flanker, Noel toured twice with the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand and Australia in 1959 and 1966 respectively and again as coach in 1980.

After hanging up his boots in 1969, he returned to his native county to coach Cork Constitution, moving on to coach Munster and ultimately Ireland from 1977 to 1980.

A fine career was capped with service as President of the IRFU and as an IRB Council Member.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Noel Murphy is a true embodiment of the dedication, integrity and passion forthe game which gave the Vernon Pugh Award its eponymous title. "There are few people who excel as a player, coach and administrator, but Noel has done all three with vigour and dedication. We are all extremely grateful for his immense contribution to the game."

Murphy added: "It's a tremendous honour to hold a Vernon Pugh Award named after a man who gave so much to rugby".