French captain Thierry Dusautoir was named 2011 IRB Player of the Year. New Zealand was named Team of the Year, while their coach Graham Henry was named Coach of the Year.
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Player of the Year – Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Team of the Year – New Zealand
Coach of the Year – Graham Henry (New Zealand)
Junior Player of the Year – George Ford (England)
IRB Sevens Player of the Year – Cecil Afrika (South Africa)
IRPA Try of the Year – Radike Samo (Australia), Wallabies vs All Blacks, Brisbane
The Spirit of Rugby Award – Wooden Spoon Society for their work with disadvantaged youth
IRB Women’s Personality of the Year – Ruth Mitchell
IRPA Special Merit Award – (chosen by fellow players for outstanding contribution) George Smith
IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service – Keith Lawrence
Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service – Jock Hobbs
IRB Development Award – USA Rugby for their Rookie Rugby Programme