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Mon 14 Nov 2016 | 05:13
Beauden Barrett worthy winner of World Rugby Player of The Year 2016

4
Comments

Beauden Barrett has been named World Rugby Men's Player of the Year for 2016, becoming the fifth All Black in succession to win the prestigious award. The 25-year-old flyhalf has put in consistent world class performances this year playing for both the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.

The shortlist of nominees consisted of players that had a great year playing for their countries, namely Maro Itoje, Dane Coles, Jamie Heaslip, Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola.

All Black fans were debating who their best starting number 10 would be after Dan Carter retired from Test rugby, but Barrett's exceptional performances led to him leaping ahead of the likes of Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga, resulting in a highly successful period for New Zealand rugby and no post-Carter hangover.

"It means so much, it's certainly something I don't expect to be awarded... even to have my name thrown in the mix with the talented players we saw nominated." Barrett commented after receiving his award.

"It's a by-product of a couple of great teams I have been a part of this year, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. I have to thank the coaches and my team-mates around me because without them I wouldn't be here."

Sarah Hunter of England won the World Rugby Women's Player of the Year award.

Posted By: davidjamieson

4 Comments

  • jonnyenglish
    10:27 AM 18/11/2016

    In fairness I hadn't seen the reports. I'd say that's probably fair, although these awards always focus on the 15 version of the game not the 7s, perhaps there should be a separate award? I think it's harsh against the England boys to be honest, they've all been outstanding and with 3 of them nominated it seems they've been overlooked too.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rugby_Player_of_the_Year

    Little bit dominated by NZ.

  • dancarter
    2:52 PM 17/11/2016

    *seem... thanks caps lock.

  • dancarter
    10:41 PM 16/11/2016

    Not sure if you saw the comments, but Fiji sEEM annoyed that they have been overlooked in these awards after receiving several nominations. They won an Olympic gold medal and are back to back world series champions in 7s, so there is some substance to their complaint.

  • jonnyenglish
    5:06 PM 15/11/2016

    Like I said, can't really argue against it - he has been unreal (so have the others on the list, esp. Dane Coles).

    I am getting a bit weary of how eager World Rugby is to brown-nose New Zealand though - is it too much to want them to celebrate another teams success for once?

    Anyway - very deserved, awesome year for BB and topped with this is a fantastic award for him. Well done.

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