The Rugby World Rugby awards took place yesterday in Tokyo following the conclusion of the Rugby on Saturday and here’s all you need to know about who won what.
Firstly Springbok flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit picked up the men’s player of the year award to add to his World Cup medal that he collected 24 hours earlier after the Boks crushing 32-12 victory over England in the final. In winning the award he became the third South African to do so following in the steps of Schalk Burger and Bryan Habana.
While in the women’s category there was some joy for England as Emily Scarratt was handed the player of the year award for 2019 following an impressive year which saw her lift the Six Nations Grand Slam title with the Red Roses.
In the coach of the year category there was further Springbok joy as head coach Rassie Erasmus received the award after doing an amazing job during his 18-month stint with the country turning their fortunes completely around, guiding them to victory in a shortened Rugby Championship and the World Cup this year.
With that in mind it was no surprise that the Boks dominance on the awards night continued with another win in the team of the year category as they saw off competition from Japan, England, New Zealand and Wales with captain Siya Kolisi collecting the award on behalf of his teammates.
English hearts were broken once again when France’s Romain Ntamack pipped winger Joe Cokansiga and South Africa’s Herschel Jantjies to the breakthrough player of the year award.
However, England did have the consolation of coming out on top in the referee category as Wayne Barnes received acknowledgement for his efforts as the man in the middle.
New Zealand picked up one award on the night as scrum-half TJ Perenara claimed the try of the year for that stunning score against Namibia in the World Cup group stages.
Lastly, Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip, a former 95-cap international was handed the International Rugby Players’ special merit award on what was a memorable night in Japan to close out the impressive World Cup that the country has hosted.
