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Ian Foster nominated for World Rugby Coach of the Year
By Finn Morton
A lot has changed in 15 months for All Blacks coach Ian Foster. With New Zealand’s disastrous run of five losses from six starts now a distant memory, Foster has been nominated for World Rugby Coach of the Year.
Coach Foster led the All Blacks to another Rugby Championship crown earlier this year, as well as the retention of the prestigious Bledisloe Cup against the Wallabies. But Foster’s finest hour came at the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks had been branded the “weakest” New Zealand team in history before the World Cup, but now they’re off to the final. New Zealand overcame Ireland in a thrilling quarter-final before recording a commanding win over Argentina a week later.
New Zealand are off to the big dance. The All Blacks will face defending champions the Springboks in the final at Stade de France, with coach Jacques Nienaber also receiving a nomination.
Ireland’s Andy Farrell is also in the running after guiding Ireland to a staggering 17-Test unbeaten run, while Fiji’s Simon Raiwalui is the other contender.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “All those nominated today deserve not only our congratulations but also our thanks for everything they have contributed, on and off the field, to inspire fans and players worldwide, driving rugby forward in 2023 in line with our sport’s values.
“The strength of rugby is its players, coaches, officials and volunteers, and these shortlists provide a vivid snapshot of a sport that is thriving globally in its 200th year.
“One day after we crown the Rugby World Cup 2023 champions, we look forward once again to uniting our global family and presenting a wider cast of winners with the ultimate accolades in our sport – the World Rugby Awards.”
The award winners will be revealed on Sunday, October 29 – the day after the Rugby World Cup final – at the Opera Garnier in Paris.
The nominees for the other categories are:
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)
- Maddison Levi (Australia)
- Tyla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand)
- Reapi Ulunisau (Fiji)
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
- Leroy Carter (New Zealand)
- Rodrigo Isgro (Argentina)
- Marcos Moneta (Argentina)
- Akuila Rokolisoa (New Zealand)
International Rugby Players Men's Try of the Year
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland, v England on 4 February)
- Damian Penaud (France, v Ireland on 11 February)
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland, France on 11 February)
- Vinaya Habosi (Fiji, v Georgia on 1 October)
World Rugby Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year in partnership with Tudor
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
- Manie Libbok (South Africa)
- Mark Tele'a (New Zealand)
- Tamaiti Williams (New Zealand)
World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard
- Bundee Aki (Ireland)
- Antoine Dupont (France)
- Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
- Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
Other categories being awarded on Sunday, 29 October
- Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service
- International Rugby Players Special Merit Award
- Rugby for All Award
- World Rugby Referee Award
- World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership with Capgemini
Categories awarded following the conclusion of WXV
- World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard
- World Rugby Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership with Capgemini
- World Rugby Women's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year in partnership with Tudor
- International Rugby Players Women's Try of the Year
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Latest Comments
Excellent year. I have enjoyed the Pumas with every match they played. They are truly one of the top tier nations and with more growth they will push hard for top 3 world ranking. They are just a bit up and down like the French team of old.
Go to commentsFunny that I read this after watching last night's game where Matera packed down at openside every signle time. Jaguares also used to play with OS/BS flankers when he was with them. Of course, if he's at 8 or not involved, Pumas could do it the French way and put, let's say, Kremer on the right and Golzalez on the left. You're correct about Matera's tenure at Crusaders where he was mainly used at blindside but also at #8 on occasion as far as I remember. He has the frame and skillset to play whichever back row position he's put at, much like Ardie or Jack Willis or Pocock.
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