New Zealand captain Richie McCaw was named the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year becoming the first player to win the award three times since its inception in 2001.

The All Blacks were also rewarded for a stellar 2010 campaign named team of the year after winning 13 of 14 tests this year and bagging the Tri-Nations title, Bledisloe Cup and European Grand Slam.

While Graham Henry completed a hat-trick of IRB awards for New Zealand, unveiled as coach of the year for a record fourth time after previously winning the award in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

McCaw, 29, faced stiff competition for the player of the year award with teammate Mils Muliaina, rising young Australian stars David Pocock and Kurtley Beale, South African lock Victor Matfield, No.8 Imanol Harinordoquy of France all performing well during the year.

"Rugby is fortunate to have a player and person of the calibre of Richie McCaw," said awards panel convenor former Wallabies captain John Eales.

"He is an outstanding captain, a world class player and a role model for our sport.

"In winning the award three times, Richie has truly cemented his place right up there amongst some of the greats."

McCaw who alongside Muliaina is the most-capped All Black with 94 test caps, said: "It's been a good year and everyone has made a huge effort, from the coaches right through all the players.

"It's been a lot of fun as well to work with quality players, and I just love playing rugby and especially international rugby."

Henry said his award reflected the "hard work" of the team.

"It is also an award for team manager Darren Shand who does a fabulous job, and for the exceptional coaching team (assistants Steven Hansen and Wayne Smith) who work with me.

"I am extremely fortunate to have a group of guys who are exceptionally good at what they do."

The IRB awards panel of judges, comprising former internationals Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphael Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustin Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and Eales, watched more than 78 hours of action from 59 matches, awarding points to the three players they thought stood out in each match.

The accolades cap a good year for New Zealand on the awards front with Julian Savea winning the IRB junior player of the year in June and Carla Hohepa named IRB women's personality of the year in September after New Zealand claimed the women's World Cup title.

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