Paul Ackford, writing for the Sunday Telegraph, looks back at his moments of the year.
"Match of the year: The Heineken Cup final between Leinster and Northampton. Sensational atmosphere, a dramatic fight-back by Leinster, and a stellar, 28-point match-winning effort from Jonny Sexton. What’s not to like?
Player of the year: All Black captain Richie McCaw. Better on one leg during the Rugby World Cup than most players on two.
2011 Hero: Martin Snedden. Not even a terrible earthquake prevented him from staging a magnificent World Cup."