Dan Carter named Rugby World Cup 2015 Player of the Tournament after leading New Zealand to trophy

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has followed up his man-of-the-match performance in Saturday's World Cup final by being crowned World Rugby player of the year for 2015.

Carter, who kicked 19 points including a sublime drop-goal in the 34-17 victory over Australia at Twickenham, has been recognised with the game's most prestigious individual award for a third time, a mark also held by All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

The 33-year-old beat New Zealand team-mate Julian Savea, Australia flanker Michael Hooper and number eight David Pocock, Wales second-row Alun Wyn Jones and Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw to the accolade.

New Zealand were inevitably named team of the year after becoming the first nation to defend the Webb Ellis Cup on Saturday, triumphing for an unprecedented third time.

Michael Cheika was recognised as coach of the year after inheriting an Australia squad that was beset by disciplinary problems 12 months ago before turning them into World Cup runners-up.

New Zealand wing Nehe Milner-Skudder was named breakthrough player of the year.

The winners were selected by an independent panel of judges, chaired by 1999 World Cup-winning captain John Eales and made up of former internationals, media and the current tournament's participating teams.

Speaking in the aftermath of the win, the fly half admitted that New Zealand's stated mission to make Rugby World Cup history was "a pretty daunting goal".

Carter will can now begin a three-year adventure with French club Racing 92, having signed off a 112-cap Test career as unquestionably the finest fly-half of rugby union's 20-year professional era.

"I would have loved to have been in that New Zealand side playing in the (World Cup) final four years ago, but unfortunately I couldn't because of injury," he said.

"I've had to work extremely hard over the last four years ago to get this. There were times over that four years when I was doubting if I would be here or not, so it's a dream come true.

"It was a pretty daunting goal trying to win back-to-back World Cups and do something that no other side has done before.

"To be able to sit here and say that we've done that is just amazing. I am so proud to be part of such a special group of guys.

"The typical trend is that you don't back up well after winning a World Cup. The fact that we did that and stayed as the number one side over the past four years has been pleasing. This is just the icing on the cake.

"I am looking forward to celebrating something pretty unique over the next week or so. Then I need to catch up with family before moving over to France and starting a new chapter in my life."

He added: "It has been an amazing career for me, personally," he added. "I couldn't have written it better, to be honest, and to finish on such a high.

"It's obviously time for me to move on and retire from international rugby, so I will be doing that, but first and foremost I will be celebrating and enjoying the next week with a special bunch of guys.

"You've got to enjoy moments like these. It is why we play the game.

"There are a few guys departing, and this team will never be together again, so we need to enjoy the next couple of days before flying home, then it will be time to celebrate with our families and friends."

PA