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All Blacks scoop top prizes at IRB Awards |
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Written by Mr BMR789
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Monday, 27 November 2006 |
 The All Blacks have capped off their superb year, scooping all of the major prizes at the International Rugby Board (IRB) Awards in Glasgow, Scotland.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has been named IRB Player of the Year, the All Blacks were picked Team of the Year for the second year in a row and Graham Henry was named Coach of the Year, also for the second consecutive year
The Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service was also given to All Blacks selector and former coach Sir Brian Lochore.
McCaw’s teammate Dan Carter – last year’s IRB Player of the Year – was also short-listed for the Player of the Year Award, alongside Australia’s Chris Latham, South Africa’s Fourie du Preez and Ireland lock Paul O’Connell.
Black Ferns first five-eighth Anna Richards was short-listed for the Women’s Personality of the Year award, which was won by England flanker Margaret Alphonsi. Wellington’s Victor Vito was also nominated for the Under 19 Player of the Year, won by Australia’s Josh Holmes.
Speaking from the IRB Awards ceremony, New Zealand Rugby Union Chief Executive Chris Moller paid tribute to the New Zealand winners.
“The IRB Awards cap off a fantastic year for Graham, Richie and the All Blacks team and management and, on behalf of New Zealand rugby, I would like to congratulate them all,” he said.
Mr Moller also acknowledged Sir Brian Lochore.
“Sir Brian is one of New Zealand rugby’s most respected individuals who has achieved much as an All Blacks and Provincial Union player, captain, manager, coach, selector and rugby administrator, and has earned the respect of the international rugby community for his contribution to the game at all levels.”
The IRB Awards also saw the announcement of the inaugural inductees into the IRB Hall of Fame, which has been established to recognise the achievements and special contribution of rugby’s players, coaches, administrators, match officials, institutions and individuals.
The inaugural inductees were William Webb Ellis and Rugby School.
2006 IRB Awards winners
IRB International Player of the Year: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
IRB International Team of the Year: New Zealand
IRB International Coach of the Year: Graham Henry (New Zealand)
IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)
IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)
IRB International Sevens Team of the Year: Fiji
IRB International Sevens Player of the Year: Uale Mai (Samoa)
Spirit of Rugby Award: Polly Miller
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service: Brian Lochore
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Peter Marshall
IRB International Women's Personality of the Year: Margaret Alphonsi
IRB Development Award: Mike Luke
IRB Hall of Fame inductees: William Webb Ellis and Rugby School
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