All Blacks coach Graham Henry has been awarded the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy, the highest distinction awarded by the International Committee for Fair Play (ICPF), which is run under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee.
Henry was awarded the trophy for his “exemplary attitude” following the World Cup quarter- final defeat against France in Cardiff last year. After the match Henry immediately visited the French changing room and congratulated them on their win.
“The New Zealand coach behaved with great dignity and an exemplary sense of fair play, said Jean Durry, the General Secretary of the ICPF.
“It was a very simple gesture, but it serves as an example to other sports people. In the context of today’s professional sport, Henry’s dignity in defeat was a magnificent example of sportsmanship.”
New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew congratulated Henry on his win.
“This Award is a great honour for Graham and New Zealand. It proves that even in adversity our coaches and players can act with dignity and maintain the sense of sportsmanship that has always been a part of rugby.”
Henry will be presented with the trophy at a gala dinner in Istanbul in January next year. He will be the second Kiwi to receive the Award after Tana Umaga won it in 2003 for assisting injured Welsh number 8 Colin Charvis on the field during a Test match.
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