Southern hemisphere players dominate shortlist for the IRB Player of the Year Award
The International Rugby Board has announced a shortlist of six candidates for the IRB Player of the Year Award.
New Zealand’s most capped players Richie McCaw and Mils Muiliaina head the list after their impressive display in the Tri Nations.
The inclusion of South African lock Victor Matfield and rising young Australian stars David Pocock and Kurtley Beale means that five of the six nominees are from the southern hemisphere.
French back-row forward Imanol Harinordoquy is the only European player on the list after he impressed in France’s Six Nations campaign.
Richie McCaw is the current holder of the award, but his selection was criticised by rugby analysts last year as the player had one of his poorest seasons in the All Black jersey.
The panel overlooked a number of South Africans who starred in the Lions series and Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll who inspired Ireland to their first Grand Slam win in 62 years.
Speaking to reporters, the IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said, “The IRB Player of the Year Award is the greatest individual honour presented annually in our Game. 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.”
The panel who select the winner of the controversial award is chaired by former Australian captain John Eales and includes a number of high profile ex-players.
Lapasset believes that the panel has selected the stand-out players this year. "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.”
Lapasset was also encouraged that Beale and Pocock were on the short list after both players impressed in the Tri-Nations. "It is 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," said the IRB chairman.
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