Henry wins top award
Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:43
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has won a prestigious international fair play award for his conduct following his team's shock Rugby World Cup 18-20 quarterfinal loss to France last year.
The International Committee for Fair Play (CIFP) listed Henry as one of just four trophy winners from 23 awards made for 2007. The CIFP is an international non-governmental organisation recognised by the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.
Henry won the award for his actions after the All Blacks' quarterfinal loss at last year's World Cup, when he went straight to the French dressing room to congratulate the winners.
He did not publicly criticise the performance of match English referee Wayne Barnes, who missed a forward pass in the lead-up to the match-winning try, and neglected to penalise the French during the entire second half.
"It was by no means an easy thing to do after losing to France, because it killed four years of a dream. But we just had to take it on the chin and act with some dignity," Henry told the NZPA.
Henry added that the award was "a huge honour" for himself and New Zealand rugby.
CIFP general secretary Jean Durry said Henry's gesture served as an excellent example to other sports.
"For a rugby country such as New Zealand, one can only imagine how painful this defeat must have been.
"In the context of today's professional sport, Henry's dignity in defeat was a magnificent example of sportsmanship."
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga received the same award in 2004 for his sportsmanship during a rugby test in Hamilton the previous year when he stopped playing to check on Welsh player Colin Charvis, who had been knocked unconscious in a tackle and was in danger of swallowing his tongue.
