Richie McCaw wins International Rugby Board player of the year award once again
All Blacks’ captain Richie McCaw has once again won the International Rugby Board’s player of the year award 2010. This is the third time in his career that he has been selected for the player of the year award. Previously he has won that award in 2006 and
2009.
After winning this award, McCaw has become the first player to win this award three times. No other player has been able to win the award even 2 times.
All Blacks also won two more awards and completed their hat-trick of winning awards.
All Blacks’ team was named the IRB team of the year for 2010 and their coach Graham Henry also won the IRB Coach of the year award 2010.
It is 4th time that Henry has been declared as best coach of the year. He previously won the award in 2005, 2006 and 2008.
IRB player of the year, McCaw faced tough competition from other nominees, including Mils Muliaina from New Zealand, Victor Matfield from South Africa, Imanol Harinordoquy from France and two players from Australia David Pocock and Kurtley Beale, who also
performed considerably well throughout the year.
But the All Blacks’ 29-year-old flanker, who has been performing marvelously well since he started his international career in 2001, secured the award.
One of the other reasons behind his selection was his outstanding record as captain of All Blacks. He captained the side in 14 matches throughout the year and his team won a record 13 matches out of them. They only lost one match, which was against the Wallabies
at the Hong Kong stadium 2 months back.
His team first won the Tri Nations tournament and then recently remained unbeaten on a tour of Northern Hampshire under his captaincy.
McCaw spoke to media after the achievement and said, "It has been a good year and everyone has made a massive effort. It's been a lot of fun as well to work with quality players, and I just love playing Rugby and especially international Rugby. This Award
is very special but wouldn't happen without an exceptional team who are good mates, and that's something I am equally proud of".
The All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who was also very pleased after winning the award, said, "The Award reflects the hard work of the team, and I am delighted the All Blacks have also been named IRB Team of the Year".
No doubt, these awards will enhance All Blacks’ confidence and now they will be more confident for next year’s World Cup title on their home ground.
Previous Winners of IRB Player of the Year Award:
2009 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2008 - Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 - Bryan Habana (South Africa)
2006 - Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2005 - Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2004 - Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003 - Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002 - Fabien Galthié (France)
2001 - Keith Wood (Ireland)
Previous Winners of IRB Team of the Year Award:
2009 – South Africa
2008 – New Zealand
2007 – South Africa
2006 – New Zealand
2005 – New Zealand
2004 – South Africa
2003 - England
2002 - France
2001 - Australia
Previous Winners of IRB Coach of the Year Award:
2009 – Declan Kidney (Ireland)
2008 – Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2007 – Jake White (South Africa)
2006 – Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2005 – Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2004 – Jake White (South Africa)
2003 - Clive Woodward (England)
2002 - Bernard Laporte (France)
2001 - Rod Macqueen (Australia)
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