Richie McCaw has been named the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year for 2009.
All Blacks skipper wins award for the second time
Richie McCaw has been named the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year for 2009, the New Zealand captain therefore becoming the first player to win the award twice.
The announcement was made by the sport's global governing body in Dublin shortly after the flanker led the All Blacks to a 39-12 victory over France in Marseille.
"It's a huge honour," said McCaw, who also won the award in 2006. "One guy gets this but you can't do it without your mates."
McCaw saw off South Africa duo Francois Steyn and Fourie du Preez, Australia fly-half Matt Giteau, the Ireland pair of skipper Brian O'Driscoll and back-row Jamie Heaslip and England loose forward Tom Croft to scoop the award.
World Champions South Africa took the team of the year award for the third time, having defeated the British and Irish Lions and also won the Tri-Nations title in 2009.
The Springboks reclaimed the award from New Zealand, having previously won it in 2004 and 2007.
"It's been a huge year for us and to top it off with a recognition like this, to secure the top prize is massive," said South Africa captain John Smit.
"It was a huge ambition of many of the guys to beat the British and Irish Lions, it was a goal to be victorious so that was a great highlight for us during the year."
Kidney named top coach
Declan Kidney was named coach of the year after overseeing Ireland's Six Nations Grand Slam - their first clean sweep in 61 years.
Ireland also went unbeaten throughout their autumn Tests and concluded with a 15-10 victory over South Africa in Dublin on Saturday.
"I don't know what to say really," said Kidney. "The team have been superb over the last 12 months.
He added: "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."
