New Zealand
Ask Steven: How many times have All Blacks players won the World Rugby Player of the Year?
John Griffiths
November 3, 2015
All Blacks hail McCaw and Carter
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How many times have New Zealanders won the World Rugby Player of the Year award? Geoff O'Connor, UK

Dan Carter was named World Rugby's Player of the Year after a spectacular World Cup-winning campaign at England 2015. It is the third time the All Blacks' No.10 has won the award, and the eighth by a New Zealander.

Brodie Retallick won the prestigious award last year -- the first time a lock forward has been recognised. 

Richie McCaw, who captained New Zealand to World Cup glory, has won the award on three occasions -- in 2006, 2009 and 2010 -- while Carter also won it in 2005 and 2012. They are the only two players to have won it more than once.

The remaining All Black on the list is 2013 winner, Kieran Read.

The inaugural IRB awards were in 2001 when Ireland hooker Keith Wood was the Player of the Year. To date, forwards have been recognised eight times; backs six. Five times the honour has gone to a flanker. No full-back, centre or prop has yet won the award.

Player of the Year winners

© Richard Heathcote - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

2015: Dan Carter (New Zealand)

2014: Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)

2013: Kieran Read (New Zealand)

2012: Dan Carter (New Zealand)

2011: Thierry Dusautoir (France)

2010: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

2009: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

2008: Shane Williams (Wales)

2007: Bryan Habana (South Africa)

2006: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

2005: Dan Carter (New Zealand)

2004: Schalk Burger (South Africa)

2003: Jonny Wilkinson (England)

2002: Fabien Galthie (France)

2001: Keith Wood (Ireland)

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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