Beauden Barrett awarded Player of the Year

All Blacks out half Beauden Barrett was awarded 2016 World Rugby Player of the Year after a stellar year.

Barrett becomes the 5th successive All Black in the last 5 years to win the award, fending off competition from Dane Coles, Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola, Maro Itoje and Jamie Heaslip.

The Hurricanes out half certainly filled the void in the All Black 10 jersey left by 2015 Player of the Year Dan Carter, nailing down a starting position. In paticular Barrett shone in the Rugby Championship, playing some sublime rugby as the All Blacks went unbeaten.

It was a good night for the All Blacks along with Barrett picking up the prestigious Player of the Year award. Steve Hansen was awarded coach of the year while the All Blacks were awarded team of the year for their fantastic 18 winning match streak.

Elsewhere, Jamie Heaslip picked up the try of the year for his effort against Italy in the 6 Nations, while Maro Itoje picked up the Breakthrough player of the year award.