The World Rugby Awards for 2023 were conducted in Paris on 29th October, to honour exceptional accomplishments in the sphere of rugby. One of the notable awardees was Ardie Savea from New Zealand, who was bestowed with the title of World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year in partnership with Mastercard.
In addition, the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year in collaboration with Capgemini featured outstanding talents such as Cyril Baille, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Eben Etzebeth, and Scott Barrett. The team also included renowned players such as Antoine Dupont from France and Richie Mo’unga from New Zealand.
The esteemed accolade of World Rugby Coach of the Year was presented to Andy Farrell from Ireland Men’s 15s, underscoring his exceptional leadership and coaching abilities. Mark Tele’a from New Zealand was acknowledged as the World Rugby Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year in partnership with Tudor, while Rodrigo Isgro from Argentina clinched the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year title.
On the women’s front, Tyla Nathan-Wong from New Zealand was declared as the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC, and Marlie Packer from England was named as the World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, in partnership with Mastercard.
The World Rugby Awards also recognised exceptional contributions off the field, with the Rugby for All Award bestowed upon SOS Kit Aid from the United Kingdom for their efforts in promoting the sport of rugby. The International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year was awarded to Duhan van der Merwe from Scotland, while Sofia Stefan from Italy received the International Rugby Players Women’s Try of the Year award.
In addition to individual accolades, the World Rugby Awards also honoured significant figures within the rugby community, presenting the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service to George Nijaradze from Georgia and the International Rugby Players Special Merit Award to John Smit from South Africa.
The event not only celebrated the remarkable skills and achievements of players and coaches but also highlighted the global reach of rugby, with individuals and organisations from various countries being acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the sport.
Overall, the World Rugby Awards for 2023 served as a testament to the talent, dedication, and sportsmanship that continue to propel the world of rugby forward, inspiring fans and aspiring players around the world. Such recognition is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a reflection of the collective efforts that make rugby a truly global and inclusive sport.