McCaw scoops IRB's player honour

McCaw picked up the player and team awards in Glasgow

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has been named as the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year.

The flanker was up against team-mate Dan Carter, the 2005 winner, Springbok Fourie du Preez, Australia's Chris Latham and Irish lock Paul O'Connell.

New Zealand dominated the IRB awards ceremony in Glasgow, reclaiming the team title, with Graham Henry named Coach of the Year.

England flanker Margaret Alphonsi won the Women's Personality of the Year.

France fly-half Lionel Beauxis was voted outstanding under-21 player, while Rugby World Sevens champions Fiji took the honours as best sevens side.

---

IRB Awards - 2006 winners:

International Player of the Year: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

International Team of the Year: New Zealand

International Coach of the Year: Graham Henry (New Zealand)

International U19 Player of the Year: Josh Holmes (Australia)

International U21 Player of the Year: Lionel Beauxis (France)

International Sevens Team of the Year: Fiji

International Sevens Player of the Year: Uale Mai (Samoa)

606 DEBATE: Would you have picked the same winners?