Barrett wins backtoback awards
WELLINGTON: Electric All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett collected backtoback awards in being named World Rugby’s player of the year yesterday.
It is the second year in a row the first fiveeighth has taken the individual award, continuing New Zealand’s dominance by making this the sixth successive year an All Black has won the honour.
Fellow first fiveeighth Dan Carter took the award in 2015 and in 2012, while skipper Kieran Read won in 2013 and Brodie Retallick the following year.
‘‘I’m very proud and surprised,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘I wanted to be better than last year, and I still feel like I’ve got plenty more to go, so that’s exciting.
‘‘I’ve got to thank the team. I’m just one player amongst a great team.’’
Barrett’s award was one of a swathe New Zealand collected at World Rugby’s endofyear awards in Monaco yesterday.
All Black winger Rieko Ioane won breakthrough player of the year award, winding up an outstanding season which finished on Sunday with two tries as New Zealand beat Wales 3318 in Cardiff.
While it was the All Blacks who dominated last year’s awards in winning team, coach and player of the year, this year it was the Black Ferns’ turn.
The New Zealand women picked up the women’s player of the year, sevens player of the year and team of the year honours.
Michaela Blyde was named the World Rugby women’s sevens player of the year, the 20yearold Taranaki speedster scoring 40 tries as New Zealand won the sevens tournament women’s world series title.
Portia Woodman was named women’s player of the year, and said that recognition came from being part of an outstanding team.
‘‘Winning the team of the year award shows how good our team is, and they make me look good,’’ she said.
‘‘They do all the work and I’m out there on the sideline just waiting for the ball.
‘‘I still consider myself such a rookie in the 15s game. Sevens I’m confident with — know what I need to do and I know how to play but 15s is a completely different game plan.’’
All Black coach Steve Hansen, again nominated for the coach of the year award, missed out to England coach Eddie Jones. — NZN