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Ireland’s Josh van der Flier has been named men’s World Rugby Player of the Year, while New Zealand duo Ruahei Demant and Wayne Smith both scooped another big prize.
The Leinster flanker was presented with the prestigious award in Monaco on Sunday after playing a huge part in Ireland’s rise to the top of the rankings.
Van der Flier beat off competition from France scrum-half Antoine Dupont, winner of the award last year, South Africa centre Lukhanyo Am and his Ireland team-mate Johnny Sexton to land the gong.
The 29-year-old has been outstanding in a memorable year for Ireland, who secured a historic maiden series win over the All Blacks in New Zealand.
He is the third Irishman to win the award after Keith Wood in 2001 and Sexton four years ago.
Co-captain Demant was named women’s World Rugby Player of the Year following New Zealand’s World Cup triumph on home soil.
Demant’s team-mate Portia Woodman, England’s Alex Matthews, Sophie de Goede of Canada and France’s Laure Sansus were also on the shortlist.
Smith was presented with the Coach of the Year award following the Black Ferns’ win over England.
Ireland men’s head coach Andy Farrell, France men’s head coach Fabien Galthie and England women’s boss Simon Middleton missed out on that honour to Smith.
