<
>

All Blacks dominate World Rugby awards as Beauden Barrett named Player of the Year

Beauden Barrett Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

New Zealand dominated the World Rugby awards once again on Sunday night, as Beauden Barrett was named men's Player of the Year.

Barrett was joined in collecting a gong by Steve Hansen, who scooped Coach of the Year for the fourth time in five years, while the record-breaking All Blacks received a seventh successive Team of the Year award.

"I'm hugely proud and humbled to receive this award," Barrett said. "It's a team game and I accept it on behalf of the team."

Earlier in the night, England's Maro Itoje had picked up the Breakthrough of the Year award, while the lock's compatriot, Sarah Hunter was named Women's Player of the Year.

All Blacks fly-half Barrett has enjoyed a stellar 2016, guiding the Hurricanes to Super Rugby success while piloting the All Blacks as they completed a record run of 18 straight Test victories.

The 25-year-old's success ensured that Itoje was denied a double, having been nominated for both individual men's awards.