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All Black Ardie Savea crowned World Rugby player of the year

By Josh Raisey
Ardie Savea celebrates scoring for the All Blacks. Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Ardie Savea has been crowned the World Rugby men's player of year for the first time.

The No8 was immense for the All Blacks in their World Cup campaign, and shone in the final despite narrowly losing to South Africa 12-11.

The 30-year-old beat World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth, 2021 winner Antoine Dupont and Ireland's Bundee Aki to the award.

Savea was also included in the dream team, while his teammate Mark Telea was named the breakthrough player of the year.