PARIS: New Zealand No.8 Kieran Read was yesterday named as the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Player of the Year for 2013.
The 28-year-old becomes the third All Black to win the award following current international team-mates flanker and captain Richie McCaw (three) and fly-half Dan Carter (two).
Read’s honour capped a hat-trick of awards for New Zealand who picked up the team of the year gong while Steve Hansen was named coach of the year.
Read edged out Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny, young South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, Italy captain Sergio Parisse and All Black team-mate Ben Smith for the award.
“I’d like to congratulate Kieran on his award as it is well deserved,” said Hansen.
“He has been outstanding and has been a major contributor all season. It’s been a big year and I am incredibly proud of what the boys have achieved.
“It’s certainly special to have the All Blacks named for all three IRB awards, so it’s important that we thank and acknowledge all those behind the team because it wouldn’t happen without them -- the players, our management, the other team behind us at New Zealand Rugby, All Blacks fans around the world, but most importantly, thanks to our families for the love and support that allows us to focus on this great game.” AFP
