South Africans snubbed as Ireland and England stars dominate Champions Cup player of the year nominees
Leinster duo Caelan Doris and James Lowe alongside Harlequins' Marcus Smith, who have been nominated for the Champions Cup player of the year.
The 2023/24 Investec Player of the Year nominees have been announced, with eight in the running for the award following their starring performances in the Champions Cup.
They all come from the semi-finalists, with Leinster leading the way thanks to having four players represented.
Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe and Dan Sheehan, who played a big part in their impressive quarter-final victory over La Rochelle, have all been selected.
Northampton also rewarded
The Irish province face Northampton Saints in the last-four in Dublin and the English outfit have earned two nominations after the displays of Courtney Lawes and Fin Smith.
Lawes may have retired from international rugby but he is still producing top-class performances, while at the other end of the age spectrum, there is 21-year-old Smith, who is a fine prospect and has already earned three caps for England.
Another Red Rose fly-half named Smith – outstanding playmaker Marcus – is also on the list, but he is just one of two players nominated from that Toulouse v Harlequins semi-final.
Marcus Smith is joined by Toulouse’s Antoine Dupont, who is the only former winner among the nominees.
He claimed the award in 2021 after helping Les Rouge et Noir to a record fifth crown following a victory over La Rochelle in the final.
A statement from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) read: “The nominated players were based on the combined verdict of a public vote and the decisions of a renowned panel of judges following the pool stage, Round of 16 and quarter-final matches in the Investec Champions Cup.
“The winner and recipient of the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy will be announced following the Investec Champions Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, 25 May.”
The semi-finals are contested next month, with Leinster taking on Northampton at Croke Park on Saturday, May 4 before Toulouse face Harlequins a day later in France.
Quiz: Can you name every EPCR Player of the Year winner?
Champions Cup Player of the Year Nominees
Caelan Doris (Leinster Rugby)
Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain)
Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster Rugby)
Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
James Lowe (Leinster Rugby)
Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
