Even though the All Blacks came second in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, they have something to celebrate as two of their players, Ardie Savea and Mark Telea scooped the Men’s 15s Player of the Year and the Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year respectively at the World Rugby Awards.
The two players had a phenomenal outing at this year’s RWC with Savea putting up great performances in the back row with his ball carries and breakdown work rates while Telea showed class with his pace and his never-ending terrorising of the defence every time he has the ball in hand.
In other awards, Andy Farrell of Ireland was named the World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2023.
The World Rugby Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year had only 5 players who played in the finals yesterday.
Cyril Baille of France, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong of Ireland make up the front row.
Eben Etzebeth is the only South African player named as he pairs up with Scott Barrett of New Zealand.
The back row is made up of Caelan Doris of Ireland, Charles Ollivon of France and Ardie Savea of New Zealand.
The halves combination of France captain Antoine Dupont and Richie Mo’unga, with Kiwi Will Jordan and Damian Penaud of France on the wings.
The centre pairing is made up of Gary Ringrose and Bundee Aki of Ireland with Frenchman Thomas Ramos at fullback. Argentina's Rodrigo Isgro was named World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year while Tyla Nathan-Wong got 2023 Women's Sevens Player of the Year.
