World Rugby Player of the Year to be revealed Sunday in Monaco.
Three South African players from the World Cup-winning squad — Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, and Pieter-Steph du Toit — have been nominated for World Rugby’s Player of the Year award, while Antoine Dupont is set to be nominated for the Sevens Player of the Year on Monday.
Springboks flanker Du Toit, who won the award in 2019, is aiming for a second title. Kolbe and Etzebeth were also key players in the team that defended their World Cup crown last year.
Ireland’s captain, Caelan Doris, completes the shortlist for the men’s top accolade.
2021 World Player of the Year Dupont, who had focused on rugby sevens to prepare for France’s pursuit of Olympic gold at the Paris Games, had skipped the 2024 Six Nations Championship. Earlier this month, he returned to the 15-a-side format. Alongside French compatriot Aaron Grandidier Nkanang and Ireland’s Terry Kennedy, he is among the three contenders for Sevens Player of the Year.
Breakthrough Star
New Zealand’s rising star Wallace Sititi is one of four nominees for the Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
The son of former Samoa captain Semo Sititi, Wallace drew comparisons to World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea after his stellar performance in the All Blacks’ 24-22 victory over England earlier this month.
Other nominees in the “Breakthrough” category include England’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Ireland’s Jamie Osborne.
In the Women’s 15s category, England’s Ellie Kildunne and Alex Matthews, France’s scrum-half Pauline Bourdon Sansus, and Canadian defender Alex Tessier are in contention for Player of the Year.
The winners will be announced on Sunday in Monaco.
