Ireland boss Andy Farrell named World Rugby coach of the year

Farrell saw off competition from South Africa's Jacques Nienaber, New Zealand's Ian Foster and Fiji's Simon Raiwalui.

GONG: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has been named World Rugby coach of the year for 2023.

Farrell, who was not in Paris to accept the award, saw off competition from South Africa's Jacques Nienaber, New Zealand's Ian Foster and Fiji's Simon Raiwalui.

The 48-year-old Englishman guided Ireland to a Six Nations Grand Slam earlier this year, but his side were knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals by New Zealand, who went on to lose to South Africa in the final.

New Zealand's Ardie Savea was named men's 15s player of the year ahead of Ireland's Bundee Aki, France's Antoine Dupont and South Africa's Eben Etzebeth.

Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe won try of the year for his long-range solo effort against England during the Six Nations.

Aki's Ireland colleagues Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Caelan Doris and Garry Ringrose joined the Connacht centre in the World Rugby dream team of the year.

The Irish quintet were included in the team alongside Cryril Baille, Charles Ollivion, Antoine Dupont, Damian Penaud and Thomas Ramos from France, New Zealand’s Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Richie Mo’unga and Will Jordan with Eben Etzebeth the sole representative from the world champions South Africa.

Irishman David McHugh won the World Rugby Referee Award for his role as mentor and coach of referees.

Bundee Aki was nominated for the Men’s 15’s Player of the Year award alongside Antoine Dupont (France), Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) and award winner Ardie Savea (New Zealand).

Full List of World Rugby Award Winners:

Men’s 15’s Player of the Year – Ardie Savea (New Zealand) 

Coach of the Year – Andy Farrell (Ireland) 

Men’s Seven’s Player of the Year – Rodrigo Isgro (Argentina) 

Women’s Seven's Player of the Year – Tyla Nathan – Wang (New Zealand) 

International Men’s Try of the Year – Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) 

Men’s 15’s Breakthrough Player of the Year – Mark Tele’a (New Zealand) 

Hall of Fame Inductees – Dan Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dusautoir (France), George Smith (Australia), Juan Martìn Hernàndez (Argentina) and Bryan Habana (South Africa) 

International Rugby Players Special Merit Award – John Smit (South Africa) 

Vernon Pugh Award – George Nijaradze (Georgia) 

Dream Team of the Year – Cyril Baille (France), Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), Scott Barrett (New Zealand), Caelan Doris (Ireland), Charles Ollivion (France), Ardie Savez (New Zealand), Antoine Dupont (France), Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand), Will Jordan (New Zealand), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Garry Ringrose (Ireland), Damian Penaud (France), Thomas Ramos (France)