Wilkinson On Top Of The World

Newcastle Falcons outside-half Jonny Wilkinson, England's record points scorer, has been voted the IRPA Zurich International Rugby Player of the Year by his fellow professionals, at the IRPA Zurich International Rugby Players' Awards. New Zealand lock Richie McCaw won best young player of the year and Australia's Ben Tune was honoured for try of the year.

Wilkinson said: 'To be voted the best player for 2002 by my opponents when there are so many talented international players is a tremendous honour. This is the ultimate rugby accolade and something I will treasure for the rest of my career.'

The awards were held to celebrate another year of outstanding collective and individual achievements in international rugby. The past twelve months have seen New Zealand dominate world rugby, losing only once en route to securing a fiercely contested Tri Nations Series.

In the Northern Hemisphere, France won their first Six Nations Grand Slam and England beat Nez Zealand, Australia and South Africa at Twickenham.

'What makes these awards so special is that they are voted for by the Test players of the major playing nations worldwide.

Congratulations to Jonny Wilkinson, Richie McCaw, Ben Tune, Jason Leonard and New Zealand in winning what have become the most coveted and prestigious awards in world rugby,' commented Tony Dempsey, Chairman of IRPA.

The award ceremony was held in the presence of some of the game's most well-known names including England captain Martin Johnson, Australian fly half Stephen Larkham, French skipper Fabien Galthie and former Wales scrum half Robert Howley.