Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has been named World Rugby Coach of the Year, while Ardie Savea was crowned Men's 15s Player of the Year at the World Rugby Awards in Paris.
And no fewer than five Irish players were selected on the World Rugby Team of the Year, the joint-highest alongside France.
Farrell, who guided Ireland to their fourth ever Grand Slam earlier this year, took home the award ahead of fellow nominees Jacques Nienaber, Ian Foster and Fiji's Simon Raiwalui.
The Englishman presided over a remarkable 17-game winning streak which commenced during the summer test series victory in New Zealand last year but ended in gut-wrenching fashion in this month's World Cup quarter-final against the same opposition.
The mastermind behind an unforgettable year in Irish rugby
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Andy Farrell is named the World Rugby Coach of the Year for 2023#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/06kn91ZvcR
Farrell said: "I would like to thank World Rugby for this recognition and congratulate the other nominees for their efforts this year.
"Coaching is a demanding and hugely rewarding profession, with many highs and lows, and in accepting this award, I would like to pay tribute to the players and wider coaching and support staff who work tirelessly to bring success to Irish rugby.
"I am incredibly proud to work with such a talented and committed group.
"This award is recognition for all those involved in Irish rugby and our incredible supporters who travel near and far to support us. I am honoured to accept this award on their behalf."
All Black back row Savea was named as Player of the Year, beating out from competition from Bundee Aki, Antoine Dupont and Eben Etzebeth.
The 30 year old Savea, previously nominated in 2019, enjoyed a stellar World Cup, delivering a Man of the Match in the quarter-final win over Ireland this month.
It is the 11th time the Player of the Year award has gone to a New Zealand player. Three Irish players have won the prize, Keith Wood taking the inaugural award in 2001, Johnny Sexton (2018) and Josh van der Flier (2022).
"Very blessed and very grateful"
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Ardie Savea after being named Men's 15s Player of the Year in partnership with @Mastercard pic.twitter.com/TNiPXDc2QY
No fewer than five Irish players were included in the 2023 team of the year, with Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Caelan Doris and the centre due of Aki and Garry Ringrose all selected.
Five French players were named - Cyrille Baille, Charles Ollivon, Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos and Damien Penaud.
Remarkably, only one member from the World Cup winning Springboks was named, Etzebeth getting the nod in the second row.
Four New Zealanders rounded off the team, with Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett and Will Jordan all included, with Richie Mo'unga taking the out-half berth.
🇫🇷☘️☘️🇿🇦🇳🇿☘️🇫🇷🇳🇿🇫🇷🇳🇿🇳🇿☘️☘️🇫🇷🇫🇷
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
The 2023 Men's 15s Dream Team of the Year in partnership with @Capgemini#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/8tBMY6AqTA
New Zealand wing Mark Tele'a was named Breakthrough Player of the Year, while Duhan van der Merwe's individual try against England in the Six Nations was named Try of the Year.
An instant classic ⚡
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) October 29, 2023
Duhan van der Merwe's solo finish against England is named the @intrugbyplayers Men's Try of the Year#WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/ExwPIuf0ty
Limerick's David McHugh, who officiated at three Rugby World Cups in 1995, 1999 and 2003 was given the World Rugby Referee Award.
