KEY POINTS:
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was today named the International Rugby Players' Association's (IRPA) player of the year.
The outstanding flanker finished second in the award vote behind teammate Daniel Carter last year.
New Zealand made it a treble, with the All Blacks named team of the year and lock Jason Eaton the international newcomer of the year.
McCaw and Carter have also been shortlisted for the International Rugby Board's player of the year award, along with Australian fullback Chris Latham, Ireland lock Paul O'Connell and South Africa halfback Fourie du Preez. The winner will be named on Monday (NZT).
Voting in the IRPA awards is carried out by players from the national squads of France, Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
To ensure against bias and prejudice, players are not eligible to vote for a player in their own national squad. They must vote for players from another country.
The IRPA said in a statement from England that McCaw, preparing his team to play Wales in Cardiff on Sunday morning (NZT), was the standout winner of the individual award.
"It's special to be acknowledged by your peers, and I'm really grateful for that. The All Blacks have had a good season and my teammates are part of this award too," McCaw said.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry was delighted with the team award.
"We have a special group of players in the All Blacks right now, and they are all working for each other which gives us a great strength as a team.
"Our management group deserves credit too, along with our administrators and sponsors who are right in behind the All Blacks. We have a great deal of support for what we're doing."
- NZPA
