Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has won the Philips Sports Manager of the Year award.

Schmidt was rewarded for leading Ireland to Six Nations glory as well as November International clean sweep in his first full year in charge of the national side.

The New Zealander underwent an appendix operation after last month's test victory over Australia, having suffered acute pain throughout the matchday.

Schmidt fended off competition from the likes of Aidan O’Brien, Dublin manager Jim Gavin and 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.