Wilkinson picks up players' award

Star England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson picked up the International Rugby Players' Association Player of the Year Award.

The award is voted for by professionals throughout the world game. Wilkinson beat off stiff challenges from All Black No 8 Scott Robertson, Wallaby flyhalf Stephen Larkham and Irish midfield maestro Brian O'Driscoll.

Wilkinson, who at 23 is already the leading points-scorer in England's Test history, accepted his Award in front of a packed audience at a dinner in London last night.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett was one of many high-profile guests present, with England captain Martin Johnson, his French counterpart Fabien Galthié and former Welsh skipper Robert Howley, who recently retired from international rugby, just some of the current stars present.

"To be voted the best player for 2002 by my opponents when there are so many talented international players is a tremendous honour," said Wilkinson to news agency AFP afterwards.

"This is the ultimate rugby accolade and something I will treasure for the rest of my career."

New Zealand's impressive openside flanker Richard McCaw, who at the age of 21 has played a little under one full year of Test rugby, picked up the Newcomer of the Year Award, with the All Blacks winning the Team of the Year Award.