South African flanker wins rugby player of year award

London — South Africa flanker Schalk Burger was named player of the year award as the Springboks dominated the International Rugby Board's top honours.

The reigning Tri-Nations champions beat out France for the team of the year award and Jake White was named coach of the year.

"Schalk's emergence as a major force has meant a lot to South African rugby," White said. "He's become to South African rugby what Jonty Rhodes was to South African cricket. It's amazing what he has achieved in such a short time so far in his international career."