All Blacks whitewash international rugby awards

NEW ZEALAND have swept the board in the International Rugby Players’ Association awards.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was named player of the year, while lock Jason Eaton won the newcomer section and New Zealand were predictably named team of the year.

McCaw, who finished second behind his national team-mate Dan Carter last year, proved a comfortable winner after votes were collected from the eight national players’ associations.

McCaw said: “It is special to be acknowledged by your peers, and I am grateful for that. The All Blacks have had a good season, and my team-mates are part of this.”

All Blacks head coach Graham Henry added: “We have a special group of players right now and they are all working for each other, which gives us great strength.”

The Tri-Nations champions finish their European tour against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, having already beaten France twice and England so far this month.