Richie_MacawDecember 4 - New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw (pictured) has cemented his position as one of the greats of the game after being named International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year for the third time.


The 29-year-old flanker completes a hat-trick of IRB Awards for New Zealand, with the All Blacks named IRB Team of the Year 2010 and Graham Henry unveiled as IRB Coach of the Year for a record fourth time.

McCaw faced stiff competition for the Player of the Year Award with teammate Mils Muliaina, South Africa's Victor Matfield, Imanol Harinordoquy from France and rising young Australia stars David Pocock and Kurtley Beale all performing superbly during the year.

However, it was McCaw, who captained the world's number one ranked team to a record of 13 wins from 14 matches during 2010 - including a Tri-Nations title and an unbeaten end of year tour to Europe - that consistently impressed the IRB's Awards Panel with some outstanding performances to cement his stature as one of gugby's great leaders.

"It's been a good year and everyone has made a huge effort, from the coaches right through all the players," said MaCaw.

"It's been a lot of fun as well to work with quality players, and I just love playing rugby and especially international rugby.

"This award is very special but wouldn't happen without an exceptional team who are good mates, and that's something I am equally proud of."

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Henry added: "I am very proud to be awarded this honour again.

"The award reflects the hard work of the team, and I am delighted the All Blacks have also been named IRB Team of the Year.

"It is also an award for team manager Darren Shand who does a fabulous job, and for the exceptional coaching team who work with me.

"I am extremely fortunate to have a group of guys who are exceptionally good at what they do.

"Richie McCaw is a phenomenal captain.

"He just gets better and better the more he does it and the team now is a very experienced side with him and Mils on 94 caps each, and nine players in the side with more than 50 caps."

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "It has been a compelling year of international rugby as we count down to what promises to be a special Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand."

The IRB Awards are made in association with Emirates Airline.