16 Oct 2012

Masoe named French rugby player of year

3:23 pm on 16 October 2012

The former All Black loose forward Chris Masoe has been voted France's Top 14 rugby player of the year by his fellow players.

The 33-year-old - capped 20 times from 2005-2007 - was outstanding for Castres last season as they reached the Top 14 semi-finals and has maintained his form this term after joining Toulon.

Masoe, who played his last game for the All Blacks when they lost in the 2007 World Cup quarter-finals to France, succeeds France first five Francois Trinh-Duc as winner of the prestigious award.