Despite the disappointment of Ireland's all-too-familiar World Cup quarter-final exit, there was recognition for the brilliance of head coach Andy Farrell in the list of World Rugby Awards on Sunday night.
Farrell was awarded the World Rugby Coach of the Year award after what was, in all truth, a highly impressive year for Irish rugby.
Though the last eight exit at the World Cup was a bitter way for this four-year cycle to end, Ireland come out of 2023 with a Grand Slam and a win against the eventual world champions to boot, in a year where it felt like even more may have been possible.
Ireland come out of 2023 in third place in the world rankings, after spending much of the year in top spot.
The top two slots are filled by the two sides who played out a gripping, gargantuan battle in Saturday's World Cup final in Saint-Denis.
Low-scoring it was, but the decider between South Africa and New Zealand was undoubtedly a classic, and the Springboks emerged as worthy champions after defeating four of the world's top six sides on their way to victory.
The immense effort produced by the Boks to drive their team to World Cup glory has seen a section of South African fans take to social media in frustration, arguing that their head coach Jacques Nienaber should have been recognised over Andy Farrell.
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Andy Farrell recognised with World Rugby coach of the year award
23 September 2023; Ireland head coach Andy Farrell before the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
At Sunday's World Rugby Awards, there was recognition for Ireland's efforts in 2023, with five Irish players in the team of the year, and Andy Farrell awarded the Coach of the Year gong.
However brilliant Ireland were throughout 2023, Farrell earning the award despite their exit at the quarter-finals of the World Cup rankled a few South African fans.
After the Springboks' second successive World Cup victory, many of their fans were left questioning what more head coach Jacques Nienaber had to do to be recognised at the awards.
Ehhh! there's a big agenda against the Springboks mos. https://t.co/7jHLnvh3Z8
— 🄴🄻 🄹🄴🄵🄴 ³⁵🔰👑🇿🇦 (@da_real_jefe) October 29, 2023
Unforgettable year via losing in the quarters again? https://t.co/5RR1ttZaXd
— Sandile Mkhwanazi (@Macswell23) October 29, 2023
Mastermind without the biggest Prize? quite baffling. https://t.co/vZa1lG4WPG
— Awongs. (@Mango_IRISH) October 30, 2023
Cannot make sense of some of these World Rugby awards.
Massive respect for what Farrell has done over the past few years, but how can he win Coach of the Year after Ireland's 2023 RWC QF exit?
Nienaber hands down the Coach of the Year. https://t.co/jkfkNM03qq— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) October 30, 2023
Pretty sure losing in the quarters was ‘forgettable’ though 😀 https://t.co/SJ8FzQv6Nt
— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) October 30, 2023
I thought Jacques Nienaber would have got this, but I had a feeling it might go Farrells’s way given the narrative going into and during the World Cup! This was meant to be Ireland or France’s year. No doubt he has been a magnificent coach, but to snub the World Cup winning coach… https://t.co/OdPkA79PlV
— Captain Springbok 🤜🤛 (@CaptSpringbok) October 30, 2023
There was even harsher criticism from some quarters, with questions made of calls made by Farrell during the World Cup cycle, and his perceived inability to get the most out of the squad at the World Cup.
The disappointment at the snub of Nienaber is understandable, but both of the above calls feel extremely harsh on Farrell.
No Irish fan will have been satisfied with the manner in which the World Cup came to an end, but it can't be denied that Farrell has built a seriously impressive side and that he is right up there with the world's best coaches.
Andy Farrell was humble in accepting his World Rugby Coach of the Year award on Sunday night, saying that the award was for all those that had made 2023 a memorable year for Irish rugby:
I would like to thank World Rugby for this recognition and congratulate the other nominees for their efforts this year.
Coaching is a demanding and hugely rewarding profession, with many highs and lows, and in accepting this award, I would like to pay tribute to the players and wider coaching and support staff who work tirelessly to bring success to Irish rugby.
I am incredibly proud to work with such a talented and committed group. This award is recognition for all those involved in Irish rugby and our incredible supporters who travel near and far to support us.
I am honoured to accept this award on their behalf.
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