Retallick named player of the year

All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick has been crowned this year's World Rugby player of the year.

The 23-year-old second-row forward was chosen ahead of four other shortlisted players after a string of impressive displays helped the All Blacks to their third consecutive Rugby Championship crown in September.

Retallick pipped fellow All Black Julian Savea, Ireland's Jonathan Sexton, and South Africa pair Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen to the award. He becomes the first lock to scoop the prize.

The Chiefs star is the fourth New Zealander to win the award, with Richie McCaw winning in 2006, 2009 and 2010, Dan Carter in 2005 and 2012, and Kieran Read given the nod last year.

News of Retallick's win was announced after he helped New Zealand to a 34-16 victory against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday evening.

New Zealand claimed a hat-trick of awards as the All Blacks were crowned team of the year, while Steve Hansen was named coach of the year.

"It has been another year where the hard work done by this group has been rewarded on the field with outstanding results," New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said on www.worldrugby.org.

"We are extremely proud of this team and on behalf of New Zealand Rugby I congratulate Brodie, Steve and the whole team who have been brilliantly lead by Richie and supported by a large group of very committed professionals all of whom unselfishly contribute."

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said: " Brodie Retallick has been at the heart of another hugely successful year for the All Blacks with his superb lineout skills, ball carrying ability and work at the breakdown playing a huge role in a June series win against England, the Rugby Championship title and a strong November series."