Josh van der Flier named World Player of the Year

Ireland and Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier has been named World Rugby Men's Player of the Year.

The 29-year-old Wicklow native becomes the third Irishman to win the award, following Keith Wood in 2001 and Johnny Sexton in 2018.

Van der Flier edged out Sexton, France scrum-half Antoine Dupont and South Africa centre Lukhanyo Am to claim the top men's prize in Monaco.

Sexton did make the World Team of the year however, along with Van der Flier, Tadhg Furlong, and Tadhg Beirne.

"I've been incredibly fortunate to have great team-mates and coaches that have really pushed me on, as well as my wife and my family supporting me a huge amount," said Van der Flier.

"The win over in New Zealand would be right up there in terms of rugby," he added when asked about his highlight of the year. "But my wife is sitting there staring at me, I got married in August, so that has to be at the top!"

Ireland doubled up on the night as Terry Kennedy was named 7s Player of the Year.

Kennedy finished as the top try-scorer in the World Series last season with 50 tries. He was one of his country's main men at the World Cup, with Ireland finishing third following a brilliant tournament.

"The growth has been incredible. We started at the bottom and have gone to the Olympics and then got third place at the World Cup in September," Kennedy said after collecting his award.

"I think it's incredible what we've done in the last few years. Hopefully it can continue over the next few years."

New Zealand World Cup-winner Ruahei Demant was named women's 15s Player of the Year and the Kiwis Wayne Smith was Coach of the Year.

World Rugby men's 15s dream team: Freddie Steward; Will Jordan, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Marika Koroibete; Johnny Sexton, Antoine Dupont;