Share

All Blacks dominate World Rugby awards

London - Flyhalf Beauden Barrett led a hat-trick of titles for world champions New Zealand at the World Rugby awards on Sunday as he collected Player of the Year.

The 25-year-old, who has filled the huge vacuum left by the international retirement of Dan Carter with aplomb, was joined on the podium by Steve Hansen, who won Coach of the Year, and the record-breaking All Blacks as Team of the Year.

Barrett and Hansen, who scooped the coaching award for the fourth time in five season, were central figures as New Zealand set a world record of 18 successive Test wins before being beaten by Ireland just over a week ago.

"Words can't describe this. I remember sitting on  (Dan Carter's) table last year," said Barrett. "I've really enjoyed the challenge and responsibility and being given more starts."

Both Barrett and Hansen also relayed their best wishes to those back home after at least two people were killed following a powerful earthquake on New Zealand's South Island.

"When something like that happens, it put things into perspective and rugby is just a game. We send them our love and wishes," said Hansen.

There was success for England as captain Sarah Hunter won the Women's Player of the Year gong whilst impressive England lock Maro Itoje - who was also nominated for best player - won breakthrough player of the year for his storming displays in their Six Nations Grand Slam campaign and the historic 3-0 whitewash of Australia.

On the club front the 22-year-old was equally successful as Saracens swept the Premiership title and the European Champions Cup to boot.

Barrett, 25, has been in scintillating form for the All Blacks scoring seven tries as they set the record for consecutive Test wins and eased to the Rugby Championship title.

He is the fifth successive All Black to receive the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Carter (2012 and 2015), Kieran Read (2013) and Brodie Retallick (2014).

He received the award ahead of five other nominees - which also included All Blacks team-mate Dane Coles, England duo Billy Vunipola and flyhalf Owen Farrell and veteran Irish No 8 Jamie Heaslip.

Hunter, capped 83 times and a World Cup winner in 2014, has played in every Test for her country this year in which they finished second to France in the Six Nations - she beat French star Gaelle Mignot and Fiao'o Fa'amausili of New Zealand to the award.

Australia's success in the women's sevens tournament at the Olympics - after the sport made an eye-catching return to the quadrennial sporting extravaganza - earned reward for Charlotte Caslick, who was named World Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year.

Although Fiji won the men's gold medal the individual award went to South Africa's Seabelo Senatla.

World Rugby chairperson Bill Beaumont - who replaced Frenchman Beranrd Lapasset after the Frenchman retired from the post this year - said it had been a memorable year for the sport.

"We have witnessed an exceptional 2016 on and off the field featuring a game-changing return to the Olympic Games after 92-years, compelling men's and women's World Rugby Sevens Series and of course a captivating year of fifteens Tests and championships," said the former England captain.

"With so much collective and personal achievement during the year, it was very tough selecting our awards winners.

"The All Blacks were again dominant and thoroughly deserve their accolades, though the exploits of Fiji and Australia at the Olympics and a resurgent England under Eddie Jones were notable too.

"I would like to congratulate all our winners and nominees this evening and look forward to what promises to be a very special 2017 with the Women's Rugby World Cup, the men's and women's sevens series and the British & Irish Lions tour."

The award winners were selected by independent panels, who voted on every match from the Six Nations through to the start of the November internationals.

World Rugby awards for 2016 announced in London on Sunday:

Men's Player of the Year - Beauden Barrett (NZL)

Women's Player of the Year - Sarah Hunter (ENG)

Team of the Year - New Zealand

Coach of the Year - Steve Hansen (NZL)

Breakthrough Player of the Year - Maro Itoje (ENG)

Men's Sevens Player of the Year - Seabelo Senatla (RSA)

Women's Sevens Player of the Year - Charlotte Caslick (AUS)

Referee Award - Alhambra Nievas (ESP) and Rasta Rasivhenge (RSA)

Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service - Syd Millar

Award for Character - Rugby Opens Borders, Austrian Rugby Union IRPA Special Merit Award - Jean de Villiers (RSA)

IRPA Try of the Year - Jamie Heaslip (IRL) against Italy in the Six Nations

Olympic recognition - Fiji and Australia

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE