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New Zealand

Kieran Read named IRB Player of the Year

By , Rugby Editor
New Zealand number eight Kieran Read is named the IRB Player of the Year for 2013.

New Zealand number eight Kieran Read has been named as the IRB Player of the Year for 2013.

The 28-year-old, who was the favourite to win the accolade, saw off competition from Leigh Halfpenny, Eben Etzebeth, Sergio Parisse and Ben Smith.

The All Blacks have won the Team of the Year award after triumphing in all 13 of their matches over the course of the season.

They completed the feat last month with a dramatic 24-22 victory over Ireland in Dublin.

Meanwhile, Kiwis coach Steve Hansen has been announced as the Coach of the Year.

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Leigh Halfpenny of the Lions celebrates their victory during the International Test match between the Australian Wallabies and British & Irish Lions at ANZ Stadium on July 6, 2013
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Read more about Kieran Read Steve Hansen Leigh Halfpenny Sergio Parisse Eben Etzebeth Ben Smith Rugby Union