Just over 24 hours after winning the World Cup, Dan Carter was named World Rugby's Player of the Year.
The New Zealander won the award at a ceremony in London, beating Julien Savea, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Greig Laidlaw and Alun Wyn-Jones to the title. It is the third time in Carter's career that he has received the honour.
Carter was named man of the match in his first World Cup final, helping the All Blacks retain the title after missing out on the 2011 final due to injury.
He spoke of his delight at winning the award last night: "It's a dream come true. It's not why you play the game, for personal accolades, but at the same time it's very pleasing and a very proud moment because I've had to work extremely hard, especially these last two to three years with the injuries that I've had. To come out fighting on the other side and achieve what I've achieved personally, but also what the team has achieved, it has been a very special moment of my career".
Ireland's Sophie Spence was beaten to the Women's Player of the Year award by New Zealander Kendra Cocksedge. The 27-year-old helped New Zealand to win the inaugural Women's Rugby Super Series this year.
Despite being on the wrong side of the scoreline in Saturday's final, Michael Cheika was named Coach of the Year. The only man to lead teams to European and Super Rugby club titles, Cheika only took charge of the Wallabies in October of last year.
There was also an IRPA Special Merit Award for former Ireland captain and Off the Ball guest presenter Brian O'Driscoll. Former Australian captain Nathan Sharpe, along with O'Driscoll, were honoured in retirement after each representing their countries more than 100 times.
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