Ireland flanker Josh Van der Flier has been named World Rugby¡¯s Player of the Year after helping drive his nation to the top of the world rankings through a stellar 2022 season.

Van der Flier beat out Ireland and Leinster teammate Johnny Sexton, France scrumhalf and last year¡¯s winner Antoine Dupont and South Africa winger/center Lukhanyo Am among the nominees.

¡°I¡¯ve been incredibly fortunate to have great teammates and coaches,¡± the 29-year-old said during the awards ceremony in Monaco. ¡°They¡¯ve really pushed me on, as well as my wife and my family supporting me a huge amount.¡±

Van der Flier started in all 11 tests this season and scored four tries, including one in the 32-22 win over the All Blacks which sealed Ireland¡¯s first series victory in New Zealand and gave them the top ranking.

¡°Obviously the win over New Zealand would be right up there in terms of rugby,¡± he said of his season highlights.

¡°But my wife¡¯s sitting there staring at me ... and I got married in August so I¡¯d say that probably has to be at the top.¡±

New Zealand co-captain Ruahei Demant won the women¡¯s Player of the Year after her key role in the Black Ferns¡¯ home World Cup triumph.

New Zealand women¡¯s boss Wayne Smith won Coach of the Year, having turned the side¡¯s fortunes around after they slumped to a low ebb in 2021.

Italy fullback Ange Capuozzo won the men¡¯s Breakthrough Player of the Year for an exceptional debut international season.

Chile flyhalf Rodrigo Fernandez won men¡¯s Try of the Year for his stunning solo effort in a World Cup qualifier against the United States when he bolted 75 metres and weaved through six players on a water-logged pitch in Santiago in July.

England winger Abby Dow won the women¡¯s Try of the Year for her sensational five-pointer against Canada at the World Cup.

Terry Kennedy claimed another award for Ireland as men¡¯s rugby sevens Player of the Year, while Australia¡¯s Charlotte Caslick won the women¡¯s award.