Carter wins World Rugby Player of the Year award

All Blacks fly half Dan Carter has won the World Rugby Player of the Year award during the World Rugby awards in London today.

Carter has won a third player of the year award, following his heroics in yesterday's World Cup final.     

Carter was on the six‑man shortlist for World Rugby's player of the year award, along with All Blacks teammate Julian Savea, and Australia flankers David Pocock and Michael Hooper.

The 33‑year‑old Carter also won the accolade in 2005 and 2012.

All Blacks wing Julian Savea was awarded the try of the year.

Savea, in a Jonah‑Lomu‑like demonstration of power and speed, smashed his way past three French defenders to score during the 62‑13 win.

Also All Blacks wing Nehe Milner‑Skudder was named breakthrough player of the year today.

The All Blacks won the team of the year award.

All Black Sonny Bill Williams was also presented with a winners medal at the World Rugby awards today after giving his original medal to a 15-year-old boy following yesterday's final win over Australia.

Williams gave his medal to a young Charlie Lines who was tackled by a security guard after running on the field.

Meanwhile, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was awarded coach of the year.

Other winners saw Nigel Owens win the World Rugby Referee award,  South Africa's Werner Kok named men's sevens player of the year while Ireland and Australian greats Brian O'Driscoll and Nathan Sharpe were awarded IRPA Special Merit awards.

The Rugby World Cup Best Match Moment award was given to Japan for their upset win over South Africa.

Source: NZ Herald