Ireland’s fly-half Jonathan Sexton became the first Irishman to win the World Rugby Player of the Year since 2001 ending New Zealand’s seven year dominance .
Sexton saw off Beauden Barrett (New Zealand), Faf de Klerk (South Africa), Rieko Ioane (New Zealand) and Malcolm Marx (South Africa).
Joe Schmidt was named Coach of the Year after orchestrating a superb 12 months which led to Ireland also picking up the Team of the Year.
Bok Aphiwe Dyantyi was the Breakthrough Player of the Year while Brodie Retallick won the International Rugby Players Try of the Year prize.
In the Women’s game, New Zealand’s Michaela Blyde lifted the Sevens gong while France’s Jessy Tremouliere is the Fifteens Player of the Year.
Speaking of the Sevens game, USA speedster Perry Baker won the Men’s prize as he shone for his team on the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Other awards saw Australian match official Angus Gardner crowned Referee of the Year while Doddie Weir won the Award for Character. Stephen Moore and DJ Forbes came away with the International Rugby Player Special Merit award.
Jamie Armstrong took away the Spirit of Rugby prize and finally the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service winner was Yoshiro Mori.
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