The two stars were crowned at an awards gala in Monaco
Josh van der Flier and Ruahei Demant named players of the year
Ireland’s Josh van der Flier and Black Ferns skipper Ruahei Demant have been named World Rugby’s player of the year in their respective categories at their end of year awards.
RUAHEI DEMANT.
JOSH VAN DER FLIER.The 2022 Women's and Men's 15s Players of the Year in partnership with @mastercard#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/Sunkoyu6ox
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 20, 2022
In the flashy event in Monaco, the back-rower and fly-half won the big ones, as players of the year after standout seasons. But there were plenty of other awards awarded on the night too.
Italy's Ange Capuozzo has been named World Rugby men's breakthrough player of the year.
Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen miss out after their nominations.
Ruby Tui named women's breakthrough player of the year. pic.twitter.com/QEjpKx3CCx
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) November 20, 2022
Earlier in the evening, Italy men’s star Ange Capuozzo, and Rugby World Cup-winning superstar Ruby Tui of the Black Ferns, won the two ‘Breakthrough player of the year’ awards, for their superb 2022s.
Another Kiwi winner was the coach of the year, with Wayne Smith (Black Ferns head coach) recognised for turning New Zealand’s women’s side around in time to win the recent Rugby World Cup on home soil.
Recognition for a legend of the women's game.
Congratulations to Dr Farah Palmer, recipient of the 2022 Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/cmuHZA1dgf
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 20, 2022
Dr Farah Palmer was honoured, receiving the Vernon Pugh award, while Bryan Habana was given the Special Merit Award.
Other awards included the try of the season for both women and men. The former was won by Abby Dow of England.
"Mind-blowing at Eden Park" ?
England's @Abbydowberg wins the @Intrugbyplayers' Try of the Year after this incredible effort in the @RugbyWorldCup semi-final#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/jEiJAgyk0L
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 20, 2022
With the latter going to Chile’s Rodrigo Fernandez after this sodden stunner of a try against the USA, in game one of the Condores’ two-legged showdown with the Eagles to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
A try heard across an entire nation.
Chile's Rodrigo Fernandez's stunning try en route to qualifying for next year's @RugbyWorldCup is named @IntRugbyPlayers Men's Try of the Year ??#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/z6EjVoaGsf
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 20, 2022
Charlotte Caslick was named the women’s sevens player of the year, while Terry Kennedy of Ireland was named the men’s sevens player of the year.
World Rugby also announced their 15s of the year, while Tappe Henning won a special referees award.
What did you make of the awards winners? Let us know at rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com or via our social media channels.
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