Ardie Savea. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
All Black Ardie Savea is among four nominees for the World Rugby men's player of the year along with Ireland centre Bundee Aki, France captain Antoine Dupont, and Eben Etzebeth from South Africa.
The winner will be named in Paris on Sunday night, after the Springboks and All Blacks meet in the World Cup final.
Aki had a superb tournament in France despite Ireland's quarter-final exit, while half back Dupont, who won the award in 2021, could not lead his side to victory on home soil.
Lock Etzebeth will be a strong candidate with his powerful displays in the second row a feature of the Springboks success, but loose-forward Savea has been outstanding too and played a huge part in the All Blacks win over Ireland in the world cup quarter final.
The nominations for breakthrough player of the year include All Blacks wing Mark Tele'a, who scored the opening try of RWC 2023 against France and prop Tamaiti Williams, who is only the third front-rower to be nominated for the award.
South Africa first five Manie Libbok, who did not make his side's match-day 23 for the World Cup final on Sunday and French wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey are the other nominees.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who is bowing out after the World Cup final, is in the running for coach of the year, along with Ireland coach Andy Farrell, South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber. and Fiji's Simon Raiwalui.
Black Ferns Sevens stars Tyla Nathan-Wong and Michaela Blyde are up for Women's Sevens Player of the Year. Blyde won the award in 2017 and 2018.
All Blacks Sevens players Leroy Carter and Akuila Rokolisoa are in the running for the Men's Player of the Year award.
The nominees for women's player of the year, and other categories, will be announced next month at the conclusion of the WXV tournament in New Zealand.
NOMINEES
World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year
- Bundee Aki (Ireland)
- Antoine Dupont (France)
- Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
- Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
World Rugby Coach of the Year
- Andy Farrell (Ireland)
- Ian Foster (New Zealand)
- Simon Raiwalui (Fiji)
- Jacques Nienaber (South Africa)
World Rugby Men's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
- Manie Libbok (South Africa)
- Mark Tele'a (New Zealand)
- Tamaiti Williams (New Zealand)
International Rugby Players Men's Try of the Year
- Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland, v England on 4 February)
- Damian Penaud (France, v Ireland on 11 February)
- Hugo Keenan (Ireland, France on 11 February)
- Vinaya Habosi (Fiji, v Georgia on 1 October)
World Rugby Women's Sevens Player of the Year
- Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)
- Maddison Levi (Australia)
- Tyla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand)
- Reapi Ulunisau (Fiji)
World Rugby Men's Sevens Player of the Year
- Leroy Carter (New Zealand)
- Rodrigo Isgro (Argentina)
- Marcos Moneta (Argentina)
- Akuila Rokolisoa (New Zealand)
