Galthie Is IRB Player Of The Year

The IRB Player of the Year Award, in association with Heineken, has been won by Fabien Galthii, on a memorable night for French rugby.

The IRB Player of the Year Award, in association with Heineken, has been won by Fabien Galthii, on a memorable night for French rugby. Galthii headed a prestigious list of winners of this year’s IRB International Rugby Awards, held at the Landmark Hotel in London.

The Awards ceremony was attended by some of the biggest names in rugby past and present, including last years winner Keith Wood, Brian O’Driscoll, Scott Quinell, Bill McLaren and Gareth Edwards.

Galthii led his team superbly during France’s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2002, an achievement that also saw France pick up the Team of the Year Award and Bernard Laporte the accolade for Coach of the Year.

South Africa centre Pat Barnard received the Under 21 player of the Year Award, in association with Waterford Crystal, whilst Luke McAlister – New Zealand’s outstanding talent at fly-half – won the Under 19 award.

Commentator Bill McLaren was recognised for his outstanding services to rugby with a Chairman’s Award and the Spirit of Rugby Award went to the old Christian Club Montevideo 30 years after the tragic plane crash in the Andes.

Last year, to mark the occasion, the survivors who have retained their love of the game, played the match that should have been played 30 years ago. Roberto Cannessa, who walked for 11 days in search of help, and another one of the survivors, Gustavo Zerbino, were present to receive the Award.

Full list of winners

IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Colin Hawke
IRB Development Award: John Broadfoot
IRB Distinguished Services Award: Allan Hosie
Chairman’s Awards: Bill Mclaren, George Pippos (posthumously)
IRB Spirit of Rugby Award: Old Christians Rugby Club
IRB Women’s Player of the Year: Monique Hirovanaa (New Zealand)
IRB Under 19 Player of the Year: Luke McAlister (New Zealand)
Under 21 Player of the Year, in association with Waterford Crystal: Pat Barnard (South Africa)
IRB International Sevens Team of the Year: New Zealand
IRB International Coach of the Year: Bernard Laporte (France)
IRB International Team of the Year: France
IRB Player of the Year, in association with Heineken: Fabien Galthii (France)