Rugby:Ireland's Grand Slam winning coach Declan Kidney was today named IRB Coach of the Year while the team his Ireland side defeated at Croke Park, South Africa, were named Team of the Year.
Both awards were announced following Ireland’s 15-10 Test win over the World and Tri-Nations champions.
Kidney has enjoyed an exceptional first full year as head 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. His record this year is played 10, won nine and drawn one and he is the first Irishman to win the coveted IRB Coach of the Year Award since the IRB Awards began in 2001.
“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,” quipped Kidney “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.”
The Springboks 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 in the summer.
The world champions reclaim the 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,” said Smit.
“I’m very proud to be associated with these guys, it has become a family of guys and hopefully we can keep it going for another two years.”
Previous Coach of the Year winners
2001 — Rod Macqueen (Australia)
2002 — Bernard Laporte (France)
2003 — Clive Woodward (England)
2004 — Jake White (South Africa)
2005 — Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2006 — Graham Henry (New Zealand)
2007 — Jake White (South Africa)
2008 — Graham Henry (New Zealand)
Previous Team of the Year winners
2001 — Australia
2002 — France
2003 — England
2004 — South Africa
2005 — New Zealand
2006 — New Zealand
2007 — South Africa
2008 — New Zealand
