McCaw, Springboks, Ireland share top rugby awards

LONDON (AP)—New Zealand captain Richie McCaw became the first person to receive a second International Rugby Board player of the year award on Saturday.

In the closest vote since the award began in 2001, McCaw added to his 2006 honor.

He was shortlisted with Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip and Brian O’Driscoll, South Africa’s Fourie du Preez and Francois Steyn, Australia’s Matt Giteau and England’s Tom Croft.

“I am extremely proud,” McCaw said in Marseille, where he led the All Blacks to a 39-12 defeat of France.

“I am just happy to be part of a team doing well. I am happy to do my bit, but it is a great honor. I said it before, you can’t do it without a bunch of mates. It has been a trying year at times, but it is great to be part of a winning team.”

The All Blacks lost their four-year hold on the Tri-Nations title this year, but they finished the year with five straight tour wins against Australia, Wales, Italy, England and France and reclaimed the No. 1 ranking.

It’s the third time in five years an All Black has earned player of the year.

“Richie is an inspirational figure, a fine leader and one of the greats of the game in recent years,” IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

Earlier in Dublin, South Africa was named team of the year after losing 15-10 to Ireland, whose coach, Declan Kidney, was picked as coach of the year.

The Springboks defeated the British and Irish Lions 2-1, and won the Tri-Nations for the first time since 2004 for their third team of the year award beside 2004 and 2007.

Kidney helped Ireland win its first Six Nations since 1985 with a first Grand Slam since 1948. In its autumn tests, Ireland drew with Australia, beat Fiji and the Boks.

“My role is overstated,” Kidney said. “I haven’t made a tackle all year.”