The All Blacks have made one final statement on a successful 2010 by taking all the International Rugby Board (IRB) awards. The clean sweep was highlighted by captain Richie McCaw being named IRB Player of the Year and the All Blacks grabbing the award for Team of the Year.
McCaw is the first player to win the illustrious award three times. Since its inception in 2001, the No7 has been named Player of the Year in 2006 and 2009. He faced solid competition this year, especially from young Australian players David Pocock and Kurtley Beale, but McCaw was the most consistent performer and led his team to an impeccable record.
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"Rugby is fortunate to have a player and person of the calibre of Richie McCaw," said awards panel convenor John Eales. "He is an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport. In winning the award three times, Richie has truly cemented his place right up there amongst some of the greats."
The All Blacks had little competition for Team of the Year. The squad won 13 of 14 tests and finished the season with the Tri Nations title, Bledisloe Cup and a Grand Slam. Their only loss was to the Wallabies in Hong Kong.
"I am extremely fortunate to have a group of guys who are exceptionally good at what they do," said coach Graham Henry, who also won Coach of the Year for a record fourth time.
New Zealanders also won the award for Women's Personality of the Year and Junior Player of the Year with Carla Hohepa taking the former and Julian Savea the latter.
The New Zealand winners in the 2010 IRB Awards
Player of the Year: Richie McCaw
Team of the Year: New Zealand
Coach of the Year: Graham Henry
Women's Personality of the Year: Carla Hohepa
Junior Player of the Year: Julian Savea
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