World Rugby Awards

World Rugby Awards
Awarded forExcellence in rugby
Presented byWorld Rugby
First awarded2001; 23 years ago (2001)
WebsiteWorld Rugby Awards

The World Rugby Awards are given out annually by World Rugby (until November 2014, known as the International Rugby Board), the worldwide governing body for rugby union, for major achievements in the sport. The idea of rewarding excellence in rugby was disclosed in 2001 following the Annual Meeting of the International Rugby Board Council in Copenhagen,[1] and the first ceremony was first awarded later that year.[2][3] The International Rugby Players' Association also gives out awards, for Try of the Year (since 2007), and Special Merit, as a part of the programme. As of 2021, they now present Women's Try of the Year.

In 2020, World Rugby decided to "look back on a decade of international rugby" instead of presenting the usual awards. Six of the categories were decided by fan votes and two by a selected panel. The 'Special Edition Awards' focused on "...members of the rugby family who had showcased solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting their communities and getting involved in relief efforts."[4]

World Rugby reintroduced the normal awards in 2021 with a few new additions. Unlike previous years where a majority of the awards were selected by an independent panel, half of the categories will now be selected by public voting.[5][6]

  1. ^ "IRB announce new awards scheme". ESPN. 4 April 2001. Archived from the original on 19 February 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  2. ^ Murray, Shane (12 November 2001). "Wood wins prestigious title". RTE News. Archived from the original on 18 February 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Wood wins top award". BBC Sport. 30 November 2004. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Awards Roll of Honour | World Rugby Awards - Special Edition 2020". www.world.rugby. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  5. ^ "New twist for World Rugby awards". rugby365.com. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  6. ^ "Major shake-up announced for World Rugby awards". www.rugbypass.com. Retrieved 23 December 2021.