The World Rugby Awards are given out annually by World Rugby (until November 2014, known as the International Rugby Board), the worldwide governing body for rugby union, for major achievements in the sport. The idea of rewarding excellence in rugby was disclosed in 2001 following the Annual Meeting of the International Rugby Board Council in Copenhagen, and the first ceremony was first awarded later that year. The International Rugby Players' Association also gives out awards, for Try of the Year (since 2007), and Special Merit, as a part of the programme. As of 2021, they now present Women's Try of the Year. In 2020, World Rugby decided to "look back on a decade of international rugby" instead of presenting the usual awards. Six of the categories were decided by fan votes and two by a selected panel. The 'Special Edition Awards' focused on "...members of the rugby family who had showcased solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting their communities and getting involved in relief efforts." World Rugby reintroduced the normal awards in 2021 with a few new additions. Unlike previous years where a majority of the awards were selected by an independent panel, half of the categories will now be selected by public voting. 2001 IRB Player of the Year: Keith Wood IRB International Team of the Year: IRB International Coach of the Year: Rod Macqueen IRB International Young Player of the Year: Gavin Henson IRB International Women's Player of the Year: Shelley Rae IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Ed Morrison IRB Spirit of Rugby Award: Tim Grandadge IRB Distinguished Service Award: Tom Kiernan IRB Development Award: Jorge Brasceras IRB Chairman's Awards: Kath McLean, Sir Terry McLean, Albert Ferrasse, John Eales 2002 IRB Player of the Year: Fabien Galthié IRB International Team of the Year: IRB International Coach of the Year: Bernard Laporte IRB International U19 Player of the Year: Luke McAlister IRB International U21 Player of the Year: Pat Barnard IRB International Sevens Team of the Year: IRB International Women's Player of the Year: Monique Hirovanaa IRB Referee Award for Distinguished Service: Colin Hawke IRB Distinguished Services Award: Allan Hosie IRB Spirit of Rugby Award: Old Christians Club IRB Development Award: John Broadfoot IRB Chairman's Awards: Bill Mclaren, George Pippos (posthumously) 2003 IRB International Player of the Year: Jonny Wilkinson IRB International Team of the Year: IRB International Coach of the Year: Sir Clive Woodward IRB International U19