A tough one to take.
The following players have been nominated for World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year:
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
- Malcolm Marx (South Africa)
- Ox Nche (South Africa)
However, Ireland and New Zealand fans were both unhappy that their star players – Tadhg Beirne for Ireland, and Ardie Savea for the All Blacks – were not selected.
Not only has Munster captain Beirne been consistently world class in green, at both lock and blindside flanker, he was named as the Lions player of the tour during the summer.
Perhaps his early red card against New Zealand this month, which was rescinded after the game, was more costly then we thought.
The following received nominations for Try of the Year, and Breakthrough Player of the Year:
International Rugby Players Association Men’s 15s Try of the Year
- Santiago Cordero (Argentina, v British and Irish Lions – June)
- Santiago Pedrero (Chile, v Samoa, South America/Pacific Play-off, RWC 2027 qualifier – October)
- Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji, v Australia, men’s international – July)
- Tupou Vaa’i (New Zealand, v France, men’s international – July)
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
- Fabian Holland (New Zealand)
- Ethan Hooker (South Africa)
- Henry Pollock (England)
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (Australia)
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