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Ireland dominate World Rugby Awards

25 Nov 2018

Jonathan Sexton and Joe Schmidt. Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Johnny Sexton, Joe Schmidt and the Irish national side received three of the top prizes at the World Rugby Awards in Monaco.

Named Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and Team of the Year respectively, the ceremony capped an incredible year for the men in green, which saw them lose just one match all season.

To win his award, 33-year-old Sexton beat out New Zealanders Rieko Ioane and Beauden Barrett – the latter in the running for his third consecutive award – and South Africans Faf de Klerk and Malcolm Marx.

Sexton was an instrumental part of Ireland’s success in 2018, steering them to victory over Barrett and the All Blacks last weekend. His year was also highlighted by titles with Leinster in both the Pro14 and Champions Cup.

Congratulations to Johnny Sexton, who has won the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year 2018 award in association with @Mastercard #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/eYOWaKLJ0o
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 25, 2018

During the ceremony, Sexton was left speechless thanks to a throat infection so Ireland captain Rory Best had to deliver a speech on his behalf.

“Johnny’s got too big time to speak for himself, so I’m up here to speak for him,” Best joked. The hooker then read a few notes Sexton had made.

“Thank you to my teammates and coaches. If a Number 10 wins an award like this it is due to the team around him and his coaches making his job easier,” he read.

“We have some of the best coaches in the world and are led superbly.”

Sexton also gave a nod to the other nominees.

A speechless (no, really) Johnny Sexton picks up his World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Award in association with @Mastercard ……..with Rory Best on vocals ??? pic.twitter.com/HByMIvIEbK
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 25, 2018

Sexton is just the second Irishman to win the award after hooker Keith Wood secured the top gong in 2001.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt edged All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus to scoop the Coach of the Year award for the first time in his five-year tenure.

Ireland were also named Team of the Year after rising to number two in the World Rankings, secured a Six Nations Grand Slam – their first since 2009 – and beat the All Blacks in Ireland for the first time. Their only loss was an 18-9 defeat at the hands of Australia during their June tour.

After a stunning year, @Irishrugby are your World Rugby Team of the Year 2018 #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/OsGD4a1A3Q
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 25, 2018

France fullback Jessy Tremouliere was named Womens Player of the Year. She scored five tries in France’s Grand Slam-winning Six Nations campaign, and was one of four French players nominated for the award alongside Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Fa’amausili.

After a stunning year, congratulations to Jessy Trémoulière who has won the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2018 award in association with @Mastercard #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/VSi2xXRYMF
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 25, 2018

Other major awards included Breakthrough Player of the Year, where South African winger Aphiwe Dyantyi edged inspirational All Blacks prop Karl Tu’inukuafe.

New Zealand’s Michaela Blyde and the United States’ Perry Baker won their respective Sevens Player of the Year awards, both for the second year in a row.

Congratulations to Brodie Retallick – WINNER of International Rugby Players TRY OF THE YEAR! #worldrugbyawards @AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/trjhFTcvPY
— InternationalRugbyPlayers (@IntRugbyPlayers) November 25, 2018

Brodie Retallick’s now-famous dummy and score against Australia was awarded Try of the Year.

AWARD WINNERS

World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year – Winner – Johnny Sexton (Ireland).

World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year – Winner –  Jessy Tremouliere (France).
World Rugby Team of the Year – Winner – Ireland
World Rugby Coach of the Year –  Winner – Joe Schmidt (Ireland)
World Rugby Referee Award – Winner – Angus Gardner
Try of the Year –  Winner –  Brodie Retallick (All Blacks)
World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year – Winner – Aphiwe Dyantyi (South Africa)
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year – Winner – Perry Baker (USA)?
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year – Winner – Michaela Blyde (Black Ferns Sevens)
IRPA Special Merit Award – Winners: DJ Forbes (NZ), Stephen Moore (Australia)

World Rugby Referee Award – Angus Gardner (Australia)

The 34-year-old has shown strong development over the last two years, highlighted by the calibre of matches he is now being appointed to referee, and is now one of the leading referees in international rugby. A good communicator on and off the field, Gardner referred the first of his 19 tests in 2011 and took charge of the Super Rugby final for the first time earlier this year.

Award for Character – Doddie Weir (Scotland)

A veteran of 61 tests for his beloved Scotland from 1990-2000, Doddie Weir has shown tremendous courage and character in the two years since he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. A devasting illness with no cure, the 48-year-old has made it his mission to raise awareness of the disease and money for research through his My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The drive he showed in his playing career now inspires those around him as he faces his biggest challenge.

Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Yoshir? Mori (Japan)

The former Prime Minister of Japan and former President of the Japan Rugby Football Union has been instrumental in growing the game in Asia and more specifically in Japan with his enthusiasm and dedication culminating in Japan securing the hosting rights to Rugby World Cup 2019. His service to sport and society was recognised in 2017 when he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers by His Majesty the Emperor Akihito, The Emperor of Japan.

Spirit of Rugby Award in association with Dove Men+Care – Jamie Armstrong, The Clan (Scotland)

Trust Rugby International pioneers unified rugby in Scotland. Through the inspirational leadership of Development Director Jamie Armstrong, it brings together able, disabled and disadvantaged young people into a close-knit team called The Clan.

In other news:

South Africa vs Black Ferns XV | Women's International | Full Match Replay

England vs Spain | Women's International | Full Match Replay

Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | Second Match | Full Match Replay

Ireland vs Scotland | Women's International | Full Match Replay

Should the Lions’ last-minute try have stood? | Whistle Watch

Lions Share | Episode 6

KOKO Show | July 29th | George Gregan Stops by to lift spirits after the MCG Madness

Historic Lions Series win at the MCG | Ep 7: The Ultimate Test

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Comments on RugbyPass

BM 14 minutes ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

I think Nuc came back had a look and saw nothing has changed since he left, particularly in the Kingdom of the North, so change would be impossible.

268 Go to comments

BM 23 minutes ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

Don’t necessarily disagree but I also think JS is playing along with the corporate line around keeping our players in OZ. “If you leave we will favour the locals ahead of you”.

TV rights are already 10% of NRL / AFL so imagine what they would drop to without our best players and what that would do to the game.

268 Go to comments

d 47 minutes ago

Scott Robertson explains 'hugely challenging' five-halfback situation

totally agree, Aaron Smith proved that the only skills needed for a halfback were fast hands (or so the ladies said) we need to worry more about finding a 10 who can kick accurately and maybe transfer those skills to the rest of the side as well. That said Love needs to tidy up his passing before he slots into 10 at AB level. I’m not totally convinced we have better than Jordan at 14, and Love did fine at fb so put him there for now.

16 Go to comments

PM 50 minutes ago

Tour fortunes of English Lions blur selection picture for Borthwick

Therefore, expect;

1. Genge

2, Cowan Dickie

3. Stuart

4. Itoje

5. Martin

6. Ollie Chessum

7. Tom Curry

8. Tom Willis

9. Mitchell

10. F Smith

11. Freeman

12. Atkinson

13. Slade (until Lawrence returns)

14. Feyi-Waboso

15. Furbank

16. Baxter

17. George

18. Heyes

19. CC-S

20. Earl

21. JvP

22. M Smith

23 O Farrell/E Daly (it’s either or)

Ultimately, Borthwick has to make a decision between Farrell/Ford at 10 or Farrell/Slade at 12 (once Lawrence returns). One or two of the experienced heads will need to miss out from Farrell/Ford/Slade/Daly - there isn’t the room for all 4 in a matchday 23.

6 Go to comments

PM 1 hour ago

Tour fortunes of English Lions blur selection picture for Borthwick

There is next to no chance of Lawrence being fit for the Autumn Internationals and it’s touch and go if he will be back for the Six Nations (which will be 12 months out).

6 Go to comments

CO 1 hour ago

Scott Robertson explains 'hugely challenging' five-halfback situation

Kirifis a little guy, only five eleven and replaced a guy who's six foot four in Dalton or Blackadder at six foot three. Lakai is a little larger at six foot one and was in a losing pack against France. The pack definitely is what lost to both France and the Boks. Getting beaten by the benches in the second half. Razor talks about requiring size and then selects short people in the pack. Timoci is another shorty along with Reece, Narawa. I get it if they had amazing x factor but nine is these small guys do. The Fijian Allblacks would struggle to make the Fiji team.

16 Go to comments

NH 1 hour ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

Someone flagged it the other day, he seems to enter contact in a different body shape than what an ardie or bobby does which allows them to keep their feet better. I don’t think he will ever be quite as effective as bobby in that regard, but if he could get half way there it could make a difference for those brutal, in tight carries where you’re on a hiding to nothing.

268 Go to comments

JWH 1 hour ago

Scott Robertson explains 'hugely challenging' five-halfback situation

Probably one of the better Wallabies side in the last decade too. A shame they can’t bring Skelton, but the pack is still huge with Tupou, Frost, Pollard, Wilson, and Valetini/Hooper

16 Go to comments

JWH 1 hour ago

Scott Robertson explains 'hugely challenging' five-halfback situation

Would be a pretty handy excuse but Ratima is not all bad so can’t really see an argument for losing as having the 4th best halfback in the world playing instead of the best.

16 Go to comments

JWH 1 hour ago

Scott Robertson explains 'hugely challenging' five-halfback situation

Stress fracture for Roigard so nothing too serious, should be back for the Bledisloe games I think, but he could pull a Waisake Naholo and get some voodoo magic to bring him back earlier.

As for Mounga, he isn’t the ‘first-choice’ necessarily even though he probably is the best flyhalf that is eligible to play for NZ. His status in Japan jeopardizes his position as All Blacks 10 since the ABs don’t pick overseas players. Can’t blame him though, 3 million dollars is hard to turn down (but it is something NZR could’ve matched if they weren’t so shortsighted). He got a broken hand playing in the JRLO final, which he won to make it 9 consecutive league titles he has won.

16 Go to comments

JWH 1 hour ago

Scott Robertson explains 'hugely challenging' five-halfback situation

Kirifi is big what are we talking about? Also, ABs pack is NOT what faltered last year against SA

16 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 1 hour ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

I cover the other half of Nick's CV and I don't get paid either 😂

268 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 1 hour ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

I'm a Sale fan myself and was amazed that they didn't get a go in green.

We used to have a meme:

“You say you're a Sale fan but I bet you can't name four of their players”

“Du Preez”

268 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 1 hour ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

That's probably why he got that soft tissue injury!

268 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 1 hour ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

You're right of course. I suppose, at the time, the match seemed a cut above the rest of the tour to that point and the Lions were really rattled.

268 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 1 hour ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

Yes he tried to bully me with “you don't know about my profession” condescension to distract from his inability to rebut my arguments and it's always better to use calm logic in those circumstances.

If he really believes that people just can't handle views they don't agree with he must be totally deluded.

His management style comes across as very short termist and narrowly focused. I'd hate to work for him and prefer to remain a mere amateur!

Well done by the way for building the community here.

268 Go to comments

JW 1 hour ago

Mick Cleary: 'These blokes have done the jersey proud, with their buy-in and with their relish.'

Jesus PR that’s another great conclusion. I can definitely see it as blocker to bringing through new talent in time for the WC. NZ underwent a lot of change in 2018 following the Lions tour, in part thanks to key injuries. Despite the revenue spending Aaron Cruden (getting frail even at his young age then) and Lima Sopoaga (along with Julien Savea), 2 of the 3 1st5s in the Lions squad, both left before the 2019 WC for example. But when we apply your logic, their delayed departure prevented Richie Mounga and Damien McKenzie (the 15 who got injured and threw a spanner in the works) from brought through in what would possible now be considered the preferred WC preparation. Ditto on the win with a scramble of constant change their all the way through to their WC 3rd/4th playoff.

Theres certainly cause to account for certain circumstances eventuating being influenced by a Lions tour. But as both nations here select from domestic players only, theres also cause to put similar emphasis on the contracting model in general, as sometimes you can hold on too long. Ireland has a similar model, talking to another irishman here he suggests it has lead to selecting based on contracts, money being spent on a player centrally contracted. So I would not so much worry about fatigue (in part because some incomplete analysis I had done on all.rugby shows the Irish contingent have low minutes this year) but continuing to select underperforming and aging players. When in a pure context of building for a WC, one would normally want to move on an develop the future.

23 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 2 hours ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

Counterintuitively the forwards that have come through in the 2020s have been better than any era since the Brodie generation. Not sure how we've managed that!

268 Go to comments

Hammer Head 2 hours ago

Australia vs South Africa | Live & Latest Rugby Union Scores & Results | RugbyPass

Why is this taking so long😤

2 Go to comments

JD Kiwi 2 hours ago

'The success of Skelton, Hooper and Tupou should trigger a rethink on Australia’s overseas selection criteria'

I did like the use of the power runners and what happened off the back of them. Unfortunately Fisher isn't a defensive coach, shame Kiss couldn't join early in that role.