World Rugby announced the 2023 winners at a ceremony in Paris last night.

Just 24 hours after the Rugby World Cup final, the South African team began a 90-minute performance at the Opera Garnier, in the heart of the French capital.

New Zealand defender Ardi Savea was named under-15 boys rugby player of the year as consolation after losing the final last night.

Savea explained that she is not in the same category as previous winners: “It’s very special,” she said. “Very happy and grateful to be here. I believe that for an individual to stand out it is necessary to work as a team. A big thank you to Foz (Ian Foster), Skip (Captain, Sam Kane) and my brothers for this year and the last few years and the journey we’ve been on.

“I wouldn’t say I’m in the same category as these guys (previous New Zealand award winners); They’re legends, but I’m just trying to go out there and wear the black jersey and give it my all. This is all I can do and I have 14 other brothers by my side who are doing the same.

“What this team went through, not only this year, but in recent years under the command of Foz, was very special and we wish the fairy tale had ended last night. “It wasn’t meant to be like this, but they are a special group of people and I’m delighted to be representing the All Blacks.”

Ireland coach Andy Farrell was named World Rugby Coach of the Year after leading Ireland to the Six Nations Grand Slam, becoming world number one and reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Savea’s teammate Mark Telea has been named World Rugby Player of the Year. His incredible goalscoring form for the Blues in Super Rugby has earned him a call-up to international competitions in 2022 and over the last 12 months he has proven his worth with the All Black shirt. 20-year-old French winger Louis Biel-Biarray finished second after four attempts at the World Cup.

Doohan van der Merwe scored the best try of the year against England in the Six Nations. An electric effort saw the big man dance between countless English players with hand passes, side steps and raw gas. It was a deserved winner!

List of Rugby World Cup winners

  • World Rugby Men’s Under-15 Player of the Year – Mark Telea (New Zealand)

  • World Rugby Coach of the Year – Andy Farrell (Ireland)

  • Men’s International Rugby Try of the Year – Duane van der Merwe (Scotland-England on February 4)

  • HSBC Women’s Rugby Player of the Year – Tayla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand)

  • HSBC Men’s Rugby Player of the Year – Rodrigo Isgro (Argentina)

  • World Rugby Referee Award – David McHugh (Ireland)

  • Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – George Nijaradze (Georgia)

  • “Rugby for All” Award – SOS Kit Help

  • International Rugby Players Award for Special Merit – John Smith (South Africa)

  • Members of the World Rugby Hall of Fame: Daniel Carter (New Zealand), Thierry Dussouire (France), George Smith (Australia), Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina), Brian Havana (South Africa).