At the World Rugby Awards, on Sunday, Josh van der Flier (Ireland flanker) was named the men’s Player-of-the Year.
Van der Flier was an important player in Ireland’s win of an away series against New Zealand, which saw them rise to the top of world rankings.
In 11 Tests, he scored five tries.
The award went to the Irish forward Jonny Sexton who is from the Netherlands, and Lukhanyo Am of South Africa and Antoine Dupont, France.
“I feel extremely lucky to have great teammates and coaches who have really pushed and supported me, as well my wife and family supporting and helping me tremendously,” the 29-yearold said.
“I’ve always believed that I must be at my best all the time or I wouldn’t be playing.”
Van der Flier replied to a question about the highlights of the year. He said that the win over NZ was his favorite rugby match. However, my wife is looking at me, and we got married in August, so that has to be their highlight.
Black Ferns co captain Demant was a star-of-the match performer in the 34-31 victory over England, pre-tournament favorites at Eden Park.
She defeated Alex Matthews of England, Sophie de Goede of Canada, France’s Laure Susus and Portia Woodman from Black Fern to win the prize.
Demant said, “I’m from a small area in New Zealand so to be able put on the black jersey it is a dream.”
“I didn’t know anything about the Black Ferns in my youth. Because you didn’t have role models, women’s rugby wasn’t accessible or something you could aspire to do.
Ruby Tui, Demant’s team-mate, won this award. Women’s Breakthrough Player Award After she switched to sevens, Ange Capeuozzo from Italy won the same award for the men.
After winning gold with the sevens team at the Tokyo Olympics, she moved to the 15s and was part New Zealand’s World Cup-winning team.
“It’s such a honor to win the award and, at 27-and a-half years of age, I think I have set the record in 15s for oldest rookie, but hey, it’s my turn,” she stated.
Tui was also awarded a second World Cup medal. This was after she had given her original medal to a young man who had been diagnosed with leukaemia.
Maud Muir, an Englishwoman, was one of the other nominees.
Capuozzo was the winner in a category that also included Henry Arundell of England and Mack Hansen and Sheehan from Ireland.
Only a week after scoring two tries to help his country, the rising star received international recognition claim a first win against Australia.
Wayne Smith, New Zealand’s women’s coach was named Coach of the Year After leading his side to a 34-31 World Cup Final victory over England,
This year, the two-time winner of the men’s World Cup was just appointed to coach the side. The team saw dramatic improvements in their fortunes. In 2021, they suffered two records defeats by England.
The other nominees were Andy Farrell from Ireland, Simon Middleton from England for women and Fabien Galthie, a member of France’s men’s team – which was unbeaten in 2022 –
Smith stated that he was uncomfortable accepting the award due to the quality of the other nominees, but that he is also truly honored by the honor.
Abby Dow, England’s rugby world cup semi-finalist, scored a sensational goal against Canada. She was awarded the International Rugby Players Women’s Try of The Year Chile’s Rodrigo Fernandez won the award Men’s Award for Best Try of Year This summer, a solo effort against the USA
Terry Kennedy, from Ireland, was named World Rugby’s Champion Men’s Sevens Player AwardThe women’s award went for Australia’s Charlotte Caslick.
Special mentions were made for the World Rugby Referee Award This was sent to South Africa’s Tappehenning. Dr Farah Palmer was awarded the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Services And an International Rugby Players Special Merit Award Bryan Habana, a former Springboks winger and part of South Africa’s 2007 World Cup winning side, received the award.