The New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has followed up his man-of-the-match performance in the World Cup final by being crowned World Rugby Player of the Year for 2015.
Carter, who kicked 19 points including a marvellous drop-goal in the 34-17 victory over Australia at Twickenham on Saturday, has been recognised with the game’s most prestigious individual award for a third time, a mark also held by his captain, Richie McCaw.
The 33-year-old beat his team-mate Julian Savea, Australia’s flanker Michael Hooper and No8 David Pocock, the Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones and Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw to the accolade.
New Zealand were inevitably named team of the year after becoming the first nation to defend the Webb Ellis Cup, triumphing for an unprecedented third time.
Michael Cheika was recognised as coach of the year after inheriting an Australia squad that was beset by disciplinary problems 12 months ago before turning them into World Cup runners-up.
New Zealand wing Nehe Milner-Skudder was named breakthrough player of the year.
The winners were selected by an independent panel of judges, chaired by Australia’s 1999 World Cup-winning captain, John Eales, and made up of former internationals, media and the current tournament’s participating teams.
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