French rugby
Matt Giteau named France's Player of the Year
October 7, 2014
Matt Giteau poses with the Top 14 Player of the Year award, October 6, 2014
Matt Giteau poses with the Top 14 Player of the Year award © Matt Giteau/Instagram
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Matt Giteau has been named the 2013-14 Player of the Year in French rugby, while Jonny Wilkinson was given a special award.

Giteau, who played centre for Toulon while Wilkinson was at fly-half, scored nine tries and contributed a total of 84 points during the season.

"I am very happy, last year was extraordinary and I am very proud," said Giteau. "It is perfect, there is nothing I would have changed."

Wilkinson, 35, was humble after he stepped up to accept the award. "It is difficult to know how I feel, my emotions are flowing through me," he said in French. "I was paid to do something I adore, in the company of incredible players and coaches. I was supported by people throughout, and at the end of all that I end up with trophies ... I am beginning to realise how lucky I was."

Toulon's coaching staff did not miss out as head coach Bernard Laporte and his assistants Pierre Mignoni and Jacques Delmas won the coaches award.

"I would like to congratulate above all the players," said Laporte. "When I see what this team achieved last season I cannot help but be blown away, overjoyed. I will never be able to thank them enough."

Twenty-four year-old fullback Brice Dulin won best French player on the international stage, one where few France players have shone in another difficult year for the national side under Philippe Saint-Andre.

© AAP

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