20 Nov 2008

International fair play award for Henry

4:15 pm on 20 November 2008

All Blacks coach Graham Henry is to be presented with the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy - the highest distinction awarded by the International Committee for Fair Play, which is run under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee.

Henry was awarded the trophy for his "exemplary attitude" following the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter- final defeat by France in Cardiff.

After the match, Henry immediately visited the French changing room and congratulated them on their win.

ICPF general secretary Jean Durry says the New Zealand coach behaved with great dignity and an exemplary sense of fair play.

Henry will be presented with the trophy in Istanbul in January.

Tana Umaga previously won the award in 2003 for assisting injured Welsh No 8 Colin Charvis on the field during a rugby Test match.