Australian Customs officials might have more luck nabbing England's rugby World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson than opposing backrowers after he collected yet another major award.

Wilkinson, who kicked the dramatic last-gasp extra time field goal which gave England victory over Australia in the World Cup final, was on Sunday night named International Rugby Board Player of the Year in Sydney.

The new world champion claimed all the major awards with England named Team of the Year and Clive Woodward named Coach of the Year.

Unquestionably the most influential individual of the tournament, Wilkinson added to his already bulging trophy cabinet which will house the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA) Player of the Year Award he won last week.

A distinguished panel of ten former internationals including Wallaby flanker Simon Poidevin and All Blacks hooker Sean Fitzpatrick chose Wilkinson ahead of four other candidates, hooker and England teammate Steve Thompson, Australia flanker Phil Waugh, New Zealand flanker Richie McCaw and French No.8 Imanol Harinordoquy.

"It's a privilege and honour to be here amongst so many unbelievable players and Richie McCaw and Phil Waugh had great years," Wilkinson said.

"It's been a year to remember. We wanted to cap it off like this and thankfully it happened."

Wilkinson, who was part of the England team thrashed 76-0 by Australia in 1998, said Saturday night's match was just another part of his journey following that fixture and he had more games to prepare for.

Woodward hoped he would have all of his champion team available for the start of the next Six Nations campaign in February, though it was unclear whether any of his veteran forwards would retire after the triumph in Sydney.

"It's up to the players, at this point I'm very confident everyone will be available in February, but if they're not, they're not.

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