Rugby
Div beaten to IRB Coach award
2009-11-28 20:58
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Dublin - Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has missed out on the IRB Coach of the Year award to Ireland Declan Kidney.
The award was announced following the Test between Six Nations champions Ireland and Tri-Nations champions South Africa at Croke Park in Dublin, on Saturday.
Ireland won 15-10.
Kidney has enjoyed an exceptional first full year as head coach of Ireland, masterminding his side to a deserved Six Nations Grand Slam - the first by an Irish team in 61 years.
During an outstanding year, Ireland were also unbeaten in November, recording victories over South Africa and Fiji after drawing with Australia.
His record this year is played ten, won nine and drawn one and he is the first Irishman to win the coveted IRB Coach of the Year Award since the IRB Awards began in 2001.
"I don't know what to say really, the team have been superb over the last 12 months.
"I feel my role is overstated, I haven't made a tackle all year! But for my family putting up with me and the players putting up with me even more I'd like to accept it on their behalf," said Kidney.
Previous winners of IRB Coach of the Year: 2001 - Rod Macqueen (Australia)
2002 - Bernard Laporte (France)
2003 - Clive Woodward (England)
2004 - Jake White (South Africa)2005 - Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2006 - Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2007 - Jake White (South Africa)2008 - Graham Henry (New Zealand)
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