Rugby:New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has become the first man to win the International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year award twice after being announced as the 2009 winner.
The 28-year-old flanker previously won the award in 2006 and was presented with this year's award after yesterday’s victory over France in Marseille.
"It is a huge honour. I am extremely proud. I am just happy to be part of a team doing well," said McCaw.
"I am happy to do my bit, but it is a great honour. I said it before, you can't do it without a bunch of mates. It has been a trying year at times, but it is great to be part of a winning team."
South Africa were named Team of the Year after taking the Tri-Nations championship and beating the British and Irish Lions 2-1 while Ireland's Declan Kidney was named Coach of the Year for overseeing his side's superb 12 months, highlighted by their Six Nations Grand Slam.
