Du Toit scoops top player prize

New world champions South Africa enjoyed a memorable night, landing three top awards at World Rugby’s annual awards ceremony in Tokyo.

Flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit won the men’s World Player of the Year title, becoming the third Springbok to land the award after Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana.

Du Toit has been in outstanding form all year, culminating in a memorable display during Saturday’s World Cup final when South Africa beat England 32-12.

The other nominations were Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, England flanker Tom Curry, Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe, New Zealand flanker Ardie Savea and USA forward Joe Taufete’e.

A keenly-contested coach of the year award went to Rassie Erasmus, who masterminded the World Cup triumph, with his Springboks side named team of the year.

Erasmus prevailed in a category that saw England’s Eddie Jones, Wales boss Warren Gatland, Japan head coach Jamie Joseph and New Zealand’s Steve Hansen nominated.

England, Wales, Japan and New Zealand also received nominations in the team category, but the Springboks’ latest triumph was recognised as captain Siya Kolisi received the award from World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot.

England wing Joe Cokanasiga missed out on the breakthrough player title, which was won by France international Romain Ntamack.

But there was English success in the referee category, which was won by Wayne Barnes.

Former Ireland number eight Jamie Heaslip, who won 95 caps for his country and retired last year, received the International Rugby Players’ special merit award.

Pieter-Steph Du Toit is World Player of the Year.