All Blacks no.8 Kieran Read has picked up the New Zealand player of the year award.
Read was one of the All Blacks standout performers in the autumn Tests and played against all four home nations.
He beat off the challenges of Richie McCaw and Brad Thorn to win the award.
Read was a rock at the back of the scrum for the Crusaders and All Blacks and ably led the Crusaders as captain for the early part of the Super Rugby season.
He was also a finalist for the Super 14 Player of the Year award, which went to Blues and All Blacks halfback Alby Mathewson.
