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Andy Farrell lands coach of the year despite Ireland quarter final exit

30 Oct 2023

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 14: Coach of Ireland Andy Farrell speaks to the media during the post-match press conference following the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between Ireland and New Zealand (All Blacks) at Stade de France on October 14, 2023 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has been named World Rugby coach of the year for 2023.

Farrell, who was not in Paris to accept the award, saw off competition from South Africa’s Jacques Nienaber, New Zealand’s Ian Foster and Fiji’s Simon Raiwalui.

The 48-year-old Englishman guided Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year, but his side were knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals by New Zealand, who went on to lose to South Africa in the final.

New Zealand’s Ardie Savea was named men’s 15s player of the year ahead of Ireland’s Bundee Aki, France’s Antoine Dupont and South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth.

Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe won try of the year for his long-range solo effort against England during the Six Nations.

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Comments

11 Comments

sean 650 days ago

I would feel embarrassed collecting that trophy, 17 match run was excellent yes but effectly world rugby are saying a grand slam in the six nations is worth more than winning the World Cup so bizzare, this proves South Africa were not given any favours at this World Cup. JN deserved this for winning the worldcup by beating 4 out of 5 of the top teams to win it, Ireland won 2 out of 3

JW 650 days ago

Must have been right between him and Foster. The Rugby Championship being reduced to 3 games probably outweighed his superior World Cup tournament. Not sure that makes a lot of sense.

JC 651 days ago

Interresting that South-Africa only have 1 player in the world cup dream team. France 5, Ireland 5, New-Zeeland 4. No best player and no best emerging player. Yet they managed to get too and win the world cup final with “lesser rated” players while they played the other 5 teams in the top 6 in the rankings. And their coach is also not rated the best. 🏁

HU 651 days ago

thought the same …. but then again, the Webb Ellis Trophy is what counts most ….. let the others have their individual glory

Blanco 651 days ago

The World Cup isn’t everything and Ireland’s win in the Six nations and long unbeaten run deserves acknowedgement. I thought the SA “Management Team” was well above anybody else. New Zealand, France and Ireland did well with big lead into games. But SA excelled once the knock outs started. They had clearly superior homework on everyone bar England. SA were tired but their match prep for England was poor, which may have been due to fatigue in the week before hand.

Ireland whom I know about need a coach whose primary role is ongoing preparation for potential opponents in the tournament.

Manie 650 days ago

Actually the World Cup in 2023 is everything. No other competition matters, and in fact given the draws, it would become the ultimate test for a coach to manage a limited selection of players for weeks, playing week in week out what is in front of you but at the same time any permutation of the knockout stages. Being the best at that is in itself enough to be called coach of the year. We're not sad about nog getting the award, we are sad to see the desperation to hand out medals to everyone whom world rugby wanted to win.

It is a bit like giving your dad a “Dad of the year” coffee mug.

NE 651 days ago

As expected the rugby dunce saffas are squeaking and speaking about the awards but in fairness they are just a reflection of how bias and protected SA rugby is by the WR officials. How elizabetha even made it onto the list is a mystery. As they say, you can’t have your cake and eat it.

Manie 650 days ago

How much of your life have you wasted these past 2 months on ranting on your saffa-views?

Cam 651 days ago

Diggy mucker. I took your advice and bet on the ABs in the final. Not the soundest advice you’ve given. But anyway. I’ve stocked up on aluminium foil and need answers only you can answer;

How did that clown coach and token captain win back to back world cups?

Why does the insidious World Rugby politburo support the nefarious and worthless Springboks?

Who is Suzie?

How much tinfoil is needed for a proper hat?

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