Richie McCaw wins third IRB player of year accolade

McCaw is currently leading the All Blacks on their autumn tour

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw has been named International Rugby Board player of the year for 2010.

It is the third time McCaw has landed the award and the second in succession.

The 29-year-old flanker won the vote ahead of fellow All Black Mils Muliaina and France's Imanol Harinordoquy, the only European to have been nominated.

"It's been a lot of fun to work with quality players, and I just love playing rugby and especially international rugby," said McCaw.

The shortlist also included the young Australian duo of Kurtley Beale and David Pocock and veteran South African lock Victor Matfield.

But McCaw completed a hat-trick of awards for New Zealand, who were named team of the year with Graham Henry unveiled as coach of the year for a record fourth time.

"It's been a good year and everyone has made a huge effort, from the coaches right through all the players," added McCaw.

Henry, who was also coach of the year in 2005, 2006 and 2008, paid tribute to his back-room staff and to McCaw.

"I'm very proud to be awarded this honour again," said Henry. "I'm extremely fortunate to have a group of guys who are exceptionally good at what they do.

"Richie is a phenomenal captain. He just gets better and better the more he does it."