The hooker and captain of Ireland, Keith Wood, inaugurated the prize list in 2001. A very closed circle since Antoine Dupont is only the 15th player to receive the trophy.
New Zealanders Daniel Carter (2005, 2012, 2015) and Richie McCaw (2006, 2009, 2010) are the only ones to have won it three times.
In front of another All Black, Beauden Barrett, crowned in 2016 and 2017. By country, New Zealand largely dominates with ten trophies for best player of the year.
France and South Africa follow, three each.
Then Ireland two and, finally, England and Wales once each.
See also Antoine Dupont elected best player in the world in 2021 ... His historic year in photos
“
It's weird to see this trophy with my name written next to all these legends of our sport. I'm almost embarrassed to be in the middle
, commented Antoine Dupont on the FFR website.
But now, you have to manage to take advantage of it, to realize things and of course that it is a lot of joy, of pride. I hope that I have also made proud all my relatives and all those who have known me during my career, in all categories, from young people until now. Because that's what we also think about when we win a trophy like that, where we started, what we have become. But it must also remain a motivation and not stop on that. And always wanting more. This is what makes us stay on top.
"
Read alsoXV of France: the emotion of Dupont receiving his trophy for best player of the year (video)
The complete list:
2021: Antoine Dupont (France)
2020: No reward due to Covid-19
2019: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
2018: Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
2017: Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
2016: Beauden Barrett ( New Zealand)
2015: Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2014: Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
2013: Kieran Read (New Zealand)
2012: Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2011: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
2010: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2009: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2008: Shane Williams (Wales)
2007: Bryan Habana (South Africa)
2006: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2005: Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2004: Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003: Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002: Fabien Galthié (France)
2001: Keith Wood (Ireland)