World Rugby name nominees for annual awards
PARIS: Last year’s winner Antoine Dupont as well as South Africa’s Lukhanyo Am are among four nominees for the World Rugby men’s player of the year award, the global body announced on Monday.
France scrum-half Dupont and centre Am are joined by Ireland pair Jonny Sexton, a winner in 2018, and Josh van der Flier.
Dupont captained Les Bleus to their first Six Nations title in more than a decade in March while skipper Sexton and flanker van der Flier guided their country to the top of the world rankings during 12 months where they claimed their first series win over New Zealand.
Am is included despite playing just five of the Springboks’ 10 Tests so far this year due to injury.
In the breakthrough category Italy’s Ange Capuozzo, England’s Harry Arundell and Ireland duo Mark Hansen and Dan Sheehan are the nominees.
In the women’s categories, Ruahei Demant and Portia Woodman are nominated for the main prize after helping New Zealand to the Rugby World Cup title on Saturday.
Canada’s Sophie de Goede, England’s Alex Matthews, a losing finalist last weekend, and France’s Laure Sansus are also included.
The winners will be named on Sunday during a ceremony in Monaco.