All Black key star player has been named the World Rugby men’s world player of the year.

For the first time, Ardie Savea has been named the World Rugby men’s world player of the year.

Despite the All Blacks’ narrow 12-11 loss to South Africa in the final, the All Blacks’ No. 8 was outstanding throughout their World Cup campaign.

 

The 30-year-old won the prize ahead of Ireland’s Bundee Aki, 2021 winner Antoine Dupont, and World Cup winner Eben Etzebeth.

Savea’s colleague Mark Telea was selected the breakthrough player of the year, and Savea was also named to the dream team.