International Rugby Board Awards Ceremony

Many of the leading figures in the world game will attend
the 2nd International Rugby Board Awards Ceremony to be held in the Landmark Hotel, London on Sunday January 26th..

Three hundred invited guests from across the globe, including many of the world’s leading players, coaches and administrators will attend the ceremony. It will be broadcasted by ITV and IRB’s World of Rugby TV programme.

The award categories include – International Player of the Year (in
association with Heineken), International Team of the Year and International Coach of the Year.

The nominees for Player of the Year are: Fabien Galthie (France), Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), Richard McCaw (New Zealand), Joe van Niekerk (South Africa) and Jason Robinson (England).

The nominees for U21 Player of the Year are: Pat Barnard (South Africa), Clyde Rathbone (South Africa) and Sam Tuitupou (New Zealand).

The nominees for U19 Player of the Year are New Zealanders Luke McAlister, Ben Atiga and Toby Morland.

The nominees for Women’s Player of the Year are Monique Hirovanaa (New
Zealand), Nathalie Amiel (France) and Cheryl Waaka (New Zealand).

Other award categories include a Referees Award, Spirit of Rugby Award,
Development Awards and Chairman’s Awards. The award once again has been designed and created by
Waterford Crystal.

The Judging Panel consists of – Gerald Davies (Chairman of Judges)
(Wales); Paul Ackford (England); Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand); Simon Poidevin (Australia); Hugo Porta
(Argentina); Gareth Rees (Canada); Philippe Sella (France); Fergus Slattery (Ireland); David Sole (Scotland); Chester Williams (South Africa).