New Zealand’s Read voted International Rugby Board’s Player of the Year

Johannesburg –  New Zealand No.8 Kieran Read was on Tuesday named as the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) player of the year for 2013, according to reports.

According to Sport24, Read’s honour capped a hat trick of awards for New Zealand who picked up the team of the year gong while Steve Hansen was named coach of the year.

Read edged out British and Irish Lions and Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny, young South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth, Italy captain Sergio Parisse and All Black team-mate Ben Smith for the award, the report said.

The 28-year-old becomes the third All Black to win the award following current international teammates flanker and captain Richie McCaw (three) and fly-half Dan Carter (two), the report added.