New Zealand rugby is today celebrating the All Blacks' clean sweep of the IRB's 2013 Rugby Awards for the second year running.
World class No 8 Kieran Read has been named the player of the year, while Steve Hansen has been named coach of the year for a second consecutiveyear, and the All Blacks have taken team of the year for a fourth straight year.
The IRB's annual award winners were announced today following an unprecedented year for the All Blacks, with 14 wins from 14 test matches to remain unbeaten in 2013.
"It's been an outstanding year for the All Blacks and a great year to be an All Blacks fan, and we are very proud of what skipper Richie (McCaw) and the team has achieved," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.
"Kieran deserves particular acknowledgement for the remarkable season he has put in both on and off the field. The fact this is Steve's second straight coach of the year award is also significant and deserves our congratulations.
"These awards are a reflection of the effort and commitment the All Blacks have shown in 2013 to be the best in the world and they can now head into a well-earned summer break with a high degree of satisfaction."
The awards may not end here, with the New Zealand Rugby Awards also to be announced in Auckland on Thursday. Read has been nominated for the Kel Tremain player of the year Award, Hansen has been nominated for coach of the year and the All Blacks are up for team of the year.
