Habana awarded IRPA try of the year
Rugby: South Africa wing Bryan Habana has won the International Rugby Players’ Association’s (IRPA) try of the year for his solo effort against New Zealand in Dunedin in September.
The 2007 IRB player of the year was selected ahead of New Zealand duo Hosea Gear and Julian Savea and Julien Malzieu of France.
He is the second Springbok to win the award, following on from the selection of Jaque Fourie’s 2009 effort against the British & Irish Lions.
“Scoring a try against the All Blacks is always special, but scoring against them in New Zealand, is even more special,” said Habana, whose try was not enough to prevent the All Blacks winning the Rugby Championship clash 21-11.
“I really enjoyed getting across the try-line in Dunedin – contributing to the success of the team and also lifting the spirits of my teammates. “Winning this award is very special and hopefully I can continue scoring tries for the Springboks for a very long time.”
The try was selected by a panel comprising of Fourie, All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina, former IRB player of the year Shane Williams of Wales and Japan’s Daisuke Ohata.
Consideration was also given to votes cast by Rugby fans from all around the world via the IRB’s interactive platforms.
Previous winners
2011– Radike Samo (Australia) – Australia v New Zealand
2010– Chris Ashton (England) – England v Australia
2009– Jaque Fourie (South Africa) – South Africa v British & Irish Lions
2008– Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland) – Australia v Ireland
