British and Irish Lions

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was named player of the year, while lock Jason Eaton won the newcomer section and all-conquering New Zealand were predictably named team of the year.

McCaw, who finished second behind his national team-mate Dan Carter last year, proved a comfortable winner after votes were collected from the eight national players' associations.

McCaw said: "It is special to be acknowledged by your peers, and I am really grateful for that. The All Blacks have had a good season, and my team-mates are part of this award too."

As for the team award, All Blacks head coach Graham Henry added: "We have a special group of players in the All Blacks right now and they are all working for each other, which gives us a great strength as a team."

The Tri-Nations champions conclude their European tour against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, having already beaten France twice and England so far this month.

Some very lucky winners got to host some of the British & Irish Lions in their homes in Ireland this week. 'Host The Pride' gave the opportunity for fans to host some of the biggest names in world rugby.

It looks like the British & Irish Lions will get a tough work out in Newcastle on Tuesday, 11 June ahead of their clash with the Waratahs after Combined Country coach Cameron Blades selected 18 Super Rugby players in his initial squad.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.