IRB Player of the Year nominees
Two All Blacks, two Wallabies, a Springbok and a Frenchman have been nominated for the 2010 IRB Player of the Year award.
Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Victor Matfield, Imanol Harinordoquy, David Pocock and Kurtley Beale have been nominated for the IRB Player of the Year award.
The winner of the prestigious individual accolade will be announced on December 1, along with the IRB Coach of the Year and IRB Team of the Year.
Six nominees have been selected for their outstanding performances throughout a compelling year of international fixtures.
The shortlist combines a blend of vastly experienced players with rising young stars who have graduated from the IRB Junior World Championship to the international stage in the last couple of years.
New Zealand captain and 2009 Player of the Year Richie McCaw heads a shortlist also featuring his team-mate Mils Muliaina, South Africa's current stand-in captain Victor Matfield, France stalwart Imanol Harinordoquy and young Australian stars David Pocock and Kurtley Beale.
“The IRB Player of the Year Award is the greatest individual honour presented annually in our Game,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.
“The six players nominated have all enjoyed an exceptional year of international rugby and have been judged on their performances in the Six Nations, Tri-Nations, June and November Tests.
“It is an impressive shortlist.
“Richie McCaw has already made history as the first player to win the Award twice, while Imanol Harinordoquy, Victor Matfield and Mils Muliaina have consistently performed to highest standards over the years.
“It is also pleasing to see some of the brightest stars of the world game in Kurtley Beale and David Pocock also nominated for their achievements during what has been a fascinating year, setting the scene for what promises to be a memorable Rugby World Cup 2011.”
The nominees were selected by the IRB Awards independent panel of judges, chaired by Rugby World Cup-winning captain John Eales, following a year-long review of all Test matches and thorough consultation and deliberation.
The panel comprises some of the biggest names in the game with Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphaël Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, AgustÃn Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, Paul Wallace and Eales winning over 500 caps and boasting four Rugby World Cup winners medals between them.
“The panel watch Test matches throughout the year, providing comprehensive analysis on players and making their selection based on performance and number of appearances,” said Eales.
“The shortlist represents a great group of players who have enjoyed an exceptional year on the international stage.”
Previous winners of the IRB Player of the Year award:
2009 – Richie McCaw
2008 – Shane Williams
2007 – Bryan Habana
2006 – Richie McCaw
2005 – Dan Carter
2004 – Schalk Burger
2003 – Jonny Wilkinson
2002 – Fabien Galthie
2001 – Keith Wood