McCaw simply the best

All-conquering All Black captain Richie McCaw has been named New Zealand's Player of the Year.

McCaw beat off the Challenge of fellow World Cup-winning All Blacks Kieran Read and Conrad Smith - adding to his Kel Tremain trophies he had won in 2003, 2006 and 2009.

His side dominated the awards, as the All Blacks were named team of the year and first year head coach Steve Hansen was top coach.

The win caps off a successful year for the 31-year old openside flank, who will miss much of next year as he takes a six-month sabbatical.

He played in all but one of the All Blacks' 14 Tests after recovering from the foot injury he sustained during last year's World Cup.

Smith was named Super Rugby player of the year over championship winning Chiefs Aaron Cruden and Craig Clarke for his role leading a young Hurricanes side.

Loose forward Liam Messam was rewarded for his breakout year in the black jersey with the Maori player of the year award, while dangerous Canterbury centre Robbie Fruean was NPC player of the year.

Manawatu Turbos and New Zealand under-20 emerging talent Jason Emery won the NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year award. Manawatu's Tomasi Cama replicated his IRB Sevens Player of the Year award at New Zealand level.

Auckland and Black Ferns loose forward Rawinia Everitt was named the women's player of the year.

All the winners:

Kel Tremain Player of the Year: Richie McCaw

Team of the Year: All Blacks

Coach of the Year: Steve Hansen

NPC Player of Year: Robbie Fruean

Heartland Player of Year: Peter Rowe

Maori Player of year. Liam Messam

Super Rugby Player of Year: Conrad Smith

Volunteer of Year: Ray Watson

Women's Player of Year: Rawinia Everitt

Referee of Year: Glenn Jackson

Sevens Player of Year: Tomasi Cama

Age Grade Player of Year : Jason Emery

Salver Award for long service: Ray Harper