He announced himself on the world stage four years ago in Cardiff as he hammered the All Blacks into submission on the way to quarter-final glory, racking up an unprecedented 38 tackles with none missed, as well as a decisive try.

After another monumental performance in last week’s heart-wrenching World Cup final defeat to the All Blacks, with France’s only try, the now-French skipper was named IRB World Player of the Year.

It’s a well-deserved reward for the man who led Les Bleus back from the brink of World Cup humiliation.

Yet despite becoming only the second Frenchman to claim the title after Fabien Galthié in 2002, the man himself is far too modest to talk up his achievements.

He said: “It’s very pleasing but it will never replace the disappointment of the final. It’s a sign of respect for all the work we have put in. It’s good, I’m happy. I’m delighted to be one of the six players nominated and I’m honoured that they thought of me.”

Les Bleus endured a torrid campaign coming under criticism from all sides after pool defeats to New Zealand and Tonga, and inching past 14-man Wales.

But after coming within a point of denying New Zealand a first world crown in 24 years, Dusautoir admitted it had been heart-breaking to fall at the final hurdle.

He added: “It's a real pity. We are really disappointed.

“I am really proud of my boys and what they did in the World Cup. We lost two games in the Pool and we came to the final. It's good for New Zealand and good for the country, but I am really disappointed.”

While Dusautoir remains reluctant to accept praise, his teammates had no such qualms over lauding their leader.

“We’re proud of him,” said Vincent Clerc, who finished joint top try-scorer in New Zealand and is also a Toulouse teammate.  

“He’s deserved it for a number of years, it’s only right that the international game rewards him. His strength is his consistency, his performances on the pitch at with his club and with France. But it’s also his management as captain, he always knows the right words to say.

“He has done a lot for this squad. Having got to the World Cup final, and given his performance, it makes sense that he is rewarded.

“It’s [the World Player of the Year award] not a consolation, and it will never replace a World Cup win. I’m sure he would have swapped the Player of the Year award to be world champion. That’s his honour.”