World Rugby Player of the Year Betting
There’s something exceptionally appealing about the World Rugby Player of the Year award that is handed out annually. In fact, it’s become so appealing to fans of the game, that it’s actually also become something that bets are placed on each year, too. Then again, it has been around since 2001, which is when Keith Wood of Ireland took home the prize, beating out fellow Irishman Brian O’Driscoll, Australians George Gregan and George Smith, and England’s Jonny Wilkinson. Wood went on to retire from the sport two years later.
Yet, in the years that have proceeded since then, the World Rugby Player of the Year award has become quite the essential accolade for any rugby player to obtain. As noted, multiple betting sites also allow members to wager on who they believe will cinch the victory each year. One of these sites is Bovada, and there’s even a Bovada bonus for players to claim upon becoming members of the platform. From this, you can receive up to $250 in bonus money, which you’re able to utilise on the various sports events that odds are offered on at Bovada. Plus, if you deposit with Bitcoin, you can receive up to $750 as a reward!
Of course, things are on shaky ground where 2020 and sports are concerned, so it’s currently unclear how things will proceed with the Player of the Year for it. Yet, the award is given to honour the achievements of hose involved at the highest level of the world game on the field, and a trophy is provided to the victor of it.
How Does It All Take Place?
Essentially, a voting panel selects a list of nominees, which can then be voted for by players, coaches, media representatives and the public through Twitter. Following a count up of the votes, the winner is then selected and provided with their trophy. Over the years, the list of former winners has been heavily dominated by New Zealanders, winning 10 of the awards in total. In fact, two of the All Blacks have won the award three times over.
Flanker Richie McCaw won in 2006, 2009 and 2010, while fly-half Dan Carter took home the accolade in 2005, 2012 and 2015. In fact, players who usually play in the fly-half position have been the most successful where the award is concerned, with seven trophies being handed out to players of that position.
2018 saw Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton claim the victory of Player of the Year, while South Africa saw its third winner in 2019 with Pieter-Steph du Toit. The latter was up against tough competition, with his own countryman Cheslin Kolbe in the running to win. England’s Tom Curry was also nominated, while Ardie Savea of New Zealand, Joe Taufete’e of the United States and Alun Wyn Jones of Wales made up the remainder of the pack
