Sexton misses out as Retallick named World Rugby Player of the Year

IRELAND OUT-HALF Johnny Sexton has missed out on the World Rugby Player of the Year award, after New Zealand second row Brodie Retallick was selected as the 2014 winner.

A series of superb performances for Ireland in 2014 had seen Sexton included on a five-player shortlist for the trophy, but an independent panel has named the 23-year-old Retallick as their final choice.

The Chiefs’ second row becomes the fourth player from New Zealand to win the World Rugby [formerly known as IRB] Player of the Year award, following in the footsteps of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Kieran Read.

South Africa pair Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen, Julian Savea of New Zealand, and Sexton completed the five-man shortlist alongside Retallick this year.

Despite his youth, Retallick has already racked up 35 caps for New Zealand, impressing with his line-out ability, aggressive rucking, strong ball-carrying and clever short passing game.

“Brodie Retallick has been at the heart of another hugely successful year for the All Blacks with his superb lineout skills, ball carrying ability and work at the breakdown playing a huge role in a June series win against England, the Rugby Championship title and a strong November series.”

New Zealand were named World Rugby Team of the Year for the eighth time and Steve Hansen is the World Rugby Coach of the Year for the third year in a row.

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