Dusautoir wins IRB honour
10/24/2011 07:37:53 PM
France captain Thierry Dusautoir has been named international rugby's player of the year in Auckland on Monday.
At a glittering awards ceremony, Dusautoir became the second Frenchman to win International Rugby Board (IRB) award after former captain Fabien Galthie collected the top honour in 2002.
The 29-year-old led France to the Rugby World Cup final, in which they fell 8-7 to New Zealand on Sunday.
He beat five other nominees - New Zealand halfback Piri Weepu, flanker Jerome Kaino and centre Ma'a Nonu, as well as Australia pair David Pocock and Will Genia.
World Cup champions New Zealand were named team of the year, while their boss - Graham Henry - was given the honour of best coach.
Australian World Cup winner John Eales chaired the independent panel of judges, which was made up of several former internationals.
Wallabies No.8 Radike Samo's effort against the All Blacks in the Tri Nations final in Brisbane, when he burst clear from near halfway to score, was deemed try of the year.