Thierry Dusautoir named IRB Player of the Year

French captain Thierry Dusautoir has been named the International Rugby Board's Player of the Year.

The news of Dusautoir's award has come just one day after his side lost the World Cup final to New Zealand.

The 29-year-old fought off competition from Piri Weepu, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu, David Pocock and Will Geniav to claim the accolade.

World Cup winners New Zealand took the team award, while their boss Graham Henry was handed coach's award.