Australian Test star Tim Horan has won the prestigious Rugby Union Writers' Club Pat Marshall Memorial Award. Centre Horan proved an overwhelming choice among the club's 200-strong membership as the game's personality of the year.

His outstanding performances helped Australia win the World Cup last month, and he was subsequently rewarded by being voted player of the tournament.

He joins an impressive list of previous winners such as his fellow Australian international David Campese, Springboks coach Nick Mallett and former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio.