The New Zealand duo were accompanied by winners in other categories from Sweden and the United States, as well as a trio of victorious Australians, including single sculler Kim Crow for Female Rower of the Year.

But it is Murray and Bond's result which stands out the most as they secured a stunning fifth consecutive unbeaten year since they first teamed up in 2009 to consolidate their status as one of the most dominate teams in rowing, if not sport.

They have won three consecutive World Championship titles in Poznan 2009, Karapiro 2010 and Munich 2011 and won Olympic gold at London 2012 in a world best time.

A switch of coaches before the beginning of this season appears to have done them no harm as they won their fourth straight world title in Chungju in September.

Eric Murray and Hamish Bond enjoyed their fifth consecutive unbeaten year in the men's pair


This is the second time they have won this award after a previous triumph in 2011, and among those who they beat to the award were the British men's eight, the Croatian quadruple scull and Czech single sculler Ondrej Synek.

Crow received the Female Rower of the Year Award after also securing the World Championship title, as well as maintaining an unbeaten year.

After winning two medals, in the double and single scull at London 2012, Crow focused purely on the single event this year  around and beat the likes of Olympic champion Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic in an exciting World Championships final in Chungju.

There was more reason for Australian success when Gavin Bellis and Kathryn Ross were awarded the Paralympic Crew of the Year after improving from fifth place at London 2012 to win the World Championship title in the TA Mixed Double Scull.

Coach of the Year award went to Sweden's Johan Flodin, who was rewarded for his work as head coach of the Norwegian team.

Both the Norwegian men's heavyweight and lightweight double sculls took gold at the World Championships. 

The final award for Distinguished Service to International Rowing was awarded to American Anita DeFrantz, a member of the International Olympic Committee.

After winning a bronze medal at Montreal 1976 DeFrantz led the protest against the US boycott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980.

She held a leading position in the Organising Committee of the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games and became an IOC member in 1986.

She was re-elected to the IOC's ruling Executive Board at the Session in Buenos Aires in September.

DeFrantz, a long standing vice-=president of the International Rowing Federation (FISA),was chosen for the award ahead of a list of candidates which included FISA President Denis Oswald, who is standing down next year after 24 years at the helm. 

Medals will be presented all of the the winners at a gala dinner on Friday (November 8) in the Estonian capital of Tallinn.