South Africa has been named the International Rugby Board Team of the Year after enjoying a silverware-laden 2009, emphatically claiming the Tri Nations title for the first time in five years and winning a compelling British & Irish Lions series in the summer.

The world champions reclaim the IRB Team of the Year Award from New Zealand, having previously won the prestigious honour in 2004 and 2007, and for captain John Smit the award is recognition of a fantastic team ethic.

"It's been a huge year for us and to top it off with a recognition like this, to secure the top prize is massive. It was a huge ambition of many of the guys to beat the British & Irish Lions, it was a goal to be victorious so that was a great highlight for us during the year," said Smit.

"I'm very proud to be associated with these guys, it has become a family of guys and hopefully we can keep it going for another two years."

"It has been a compelling year of international rugby. South Africa have demonstrated this year exactly why they are world champions, winning the Tri Nations and a truly memorable Lions series,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Previous Winners of IRB Team of the Year

2001 - Australia
2002 - France
2003 - England
2004 - South Africa
2005 - New Zealand
2006 - New Zealand
2007 - South Africa
2008 - New Zealand