McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year for a third time

Inspirational New Zealand captain Richie McCaw was last night voted as the International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year for a record third time.

McCaw narrowly defeated Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll to the award last year and was also voted as the world’s best in 2006.

The openside flanker, renowned for his ability at the breakdown, for playing on the edge and for avoiding incurring the wrath of referees, won the vote ahead of All Black colleague Mils Muliaina, Australian duo David Pocock and Kurtley Beale, South African second row Victor Matfield and France back row forward Imanol Harinordoquy.

To make it an even more memorable night for the All Blacks, New Zealand were named as Team of the Year and Graham Henry was voted as Coach of the Year for a record fourth time.

“It's been a good year and everyone has made a huge effort, from the coaches right through all the players,” said McCaw.

“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,” he added.

New Zealand were nigh on invincible in 2010, winning the Tri-Nations title and winning every test on their tour of Britain and Ireland in November. The All-Blacks won 13 out of 14 tests in total and their only defeat was a narrow two point loss to Australia in Hong Kong, where James O’Connor snatched victory for the Wallabies with a last gasp try and conversion.

Coach of the Year Graham Henry, who won the award previously in 2005, 2006 and 2008, paid tribute to his players, his backroom staff and to McCaw, his inspirational leader on the pitch.

"I'm extremely fortunate to have a group of guys who are exceptionally good at what they do," he said.

"Richie is a phenomenal captain. He just gets better and better the more he does it."

Previous winners of the 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 - Dan Carter (New Zealand)
2004 - Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003 - Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002 - Fabien Galthié (France)
2001 - Keith Wood (Ireland)