All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has been named the World Rugby Player of the Year by an independent panel, the fourth player from New Zealand to win the prestigious award.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic year in the middle of the All Blacks' pack and follows in the footsteps of teammates Kieran Read (2013), Dan Carter (2005 and 2012) and Richie McCaw (2006, 2009 and 2010).
He edged out Willie le Roux (South Africa), Julian Savea (New Zealand), Jonathan Sexton (Ireland) and Duane Vermeulen (South Africa) for the award in a closely fought contest during a year of impressive performances on the international stage.
The accolade completes a hat‑trick of awards for New Zealand, as the All Blacks were named World Rugby Team of the Year 2014 for the eighth time and Steve Hansen the World Rugby Coach of the Year 2014 for the third year in succession.
The panel deliberated on every major test played in 2014, starting with the opening Six Nations match and culminating with the November internationals.
A towering presence in the lineout, Retallick has played 35 Tests for New Zealand since making his debut against Ireland in June 2012.
His powerful runs and work‑rate across the pitch have brought him to the fore in 2014.
His partnership with Sam Whitelock makes up arguably the best second row in today's game.
Previous winners include Kieran Read, Dan Carter, Thierry Dusautoir, Shane Williams, Bryan Habana, Schalk Burger, Jonny Wilkinson and Richie McCaw with the two All Black centurions the only players to have won the award on more than one occasion
Source: Radio New Zealand
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