Johannesburg – South Africa have been named the International Rugby Board team of the year with Ireland’s Declan Kidney named the IRB coach of the year.

Both awards were announced following the Test between Six Nations champions Ireland and Tri-Nations champions South Africa at Croke Park, Dublin on Saturday.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw became the first man to win the IRB player of the year award twice after being announced as the 2009 winner.

The 28-year-old flank previously won it in 2006 and was presented with this year’s award after Saturday night’s victory over France in Marseille.

“It is a huge honour. I am extremely proud. I am just happy to be part of a team doing well,” McCaw said.

South Africa enjoyed a silverware- laden 2009, emphatically claiming the Tri-Nations title for the first time in five years and winning a compelling British and Irish Lions series.

The world champions reclaim the IRB team of the year award from New Zealand, having previously won the prestigious honour in 2004 and 2007, and for captain John Smit the award is recognition of a fantastic team ethic.

“It’s been a huge year for us and to top it off with a recognition like this, to secure the top prize is massive. It was a huge ambition of many of the guys to beat the British and Irish Lions, it was a goal to be victorious so that was a great highlight for us during the year,” Smit said.

“I’m very proud to be associated with these guys and hopefully we can keep it going for another two years.”

Kidney has enjoyed an exceptional first full year as coach of Ireland, masterminding his side to a deserved Six Nations Grand Slam, the first by an Irish team in 61 years.

During an outstanding year, Ireland were also unbeaten in November, recording victories over South Africa and Fiji after drawing with Australia.

“I don’t know what to say really, the team have been superb over the last 12 months. I feel my role is overstated. I haven’t made a tackle all year! But for my family putting up with me and the players putting up with me even more I’d like to accept it on their behalf,” Kidney said.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset added: “It has been a compelling year of international Rugby. South Africa have demonstrated this year exactly why they are world champions, winning the Tri Nations and a truly memorable Lions series, while Declan Kidney has taken Ireland to the Grand Slam, Six Nations and Triple Crown. Both are deserving recipients of the prestigious awards.” – Reuters