Flanker Richie McCaw was named New Zealand’s player of the year to complete a clean sweep of the major individual rugby awards.
The All Blacks captain was also named player of 2006 by the International Rugby Board and the International Players’ Association.
McCaw played 12 Tests in 2006, helping New Zealand retain the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations title. The All Blacks won 12 of their 13 Tests in the year and are firm favourites to lift the 2007 World Cup.
New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter, McCaw’s Canterbury Crusaders and All Blacks teammate, was named Super 14 player of the year. — Reuters