Vito named Top 14 Player of the Year

The 30-year-old loose forward was selected ahead of Clermont centre Remi Lamerat and Lyon flank Carl Fearns following a vote by members of the players' union.

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Vito took part in the All Blacks' World Cup wins in both 2011 and 2015 and joined the French club last season from Wellington outfit Hurricanes.

La Rochelle ended the regular season top of the French league but were eliminated at the semifinal stage of the title play-offs.

Agence France-Presse

#NuitduRugby

Nommés pour le Prix du Meilleur Joueur de #TOP14

► @Remilamerat | ASM

► @VictorVito1103 | Stade Rochelais

► @Carl_Fearns | LOU pic.twitter.com/sizHzdikFP

— TOP 14 Rugby (@top14rugby) September 18, 2017