Australian centre Tim Horan has won The Famous Grouse Player of the Tournament Award. Horan was the outstanding player of the tournament, superb in attack and defence. His influence on both the final and semi-final was extraordinary, consistently making breaks into opposition territory, notably to set up the Ben Tune try that broke the deadlock at the Millennium Stadium yesterday.
Of course he also scored the first Australian try in the Pool E game against Ireland at Lansdowne Road. Horan has for many years now been part of the centre pairing with Jason Little that has been regarded as the best in the World – now he’s partnered by Daniel Herbert. The Famous Grouse had brought together a panel of 12 experts from the world of rugby to judge the top three players from each game at the Rugby World Cup 1999 and the panel Chairman – and Welsh rugby legend - Gareth Edwards had the honour of presenting Horan with his award. The player recieved a specially commissioned gold Grouse trophy and a cheque for £2,500 which will go to his own nominated charity.
Edwards stated , “We are delighted that Tim has won this award. He has been the most consistent Australian player throughout the tournament and his performances in the semi-final against South Africa and in the final against France were superb. On behalf of all the panellists, I would like to congratulate Tim on this fine achievement – truly one of the greatest players of all time.”
