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The 2010 Heineken Cup winner, who has made over 50 European appearances in his career, is the second Frenchman to win the award, following in the footsteps of Fabien Galthié, who claimed the accolade in 2002.
Dusautoir was outstanding all season for France, including in the World Cup and particularly the final where his defensive effort and ball-carrying inspired the French against the hosts. He was picked ahead of five other nominees - New Zealand scrum half Piri Weepu, flanker Jerome Kaino and centre Ma'a Nonu and Australia flanker David Pocock and scrum half Will Genia.
The winners were selected by the Awards' independent panel of judges, chaired by Rugby World Cup-winner John Eales and made up of former internationals with more than 500 caps between them. The panel deliberated on every major Test match played this year, starting with the first Six Nations match and finishing with the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final.
Toulouse will hope the flanker will continue his impressive form in this season's European competition which sees the former Champions begin the Heineken Cup by hosting Gloucester in the south France on Sunday November 13.
