All Black first-five Beauden Barrett and hooker Dane Coles and Black Fern Fiao'o Fa'amausili have been shortlisted for World Rugby player of the year awards.
All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett and hooker Dane Coles have been shortlisted for World Rugby's men's player of the year Photo: Photosport
Barrett, who has moved seamlessly into the number 10 jersey vacated by Dan Carter, has had an outstanding season and stamped his dominance on the first-five position, with many pundits believing he's the best playmaker in the sport.
Beauden Barrett Photo: Photosport
He has scored seven tries so far in 2016 and could reach the 50-test milestone by the end of the year.
Coles, who turns 30 next month, has started 11 of the All Blacks' tests in 2016, scoring four tries and strengthening his position as the world's number one hooker and captained the Hurricanes to their maiden Super Rugby title.
He could also reach 50 tests by the time New Zealand bring the curtain down on their season.
New Zealand's Fiao'o Fa'amausili will fight it out with England's Sarah Hunter and France's Gaëlle Mignot for the women's player of the year award.
As one of the Black Ferns' most experienced and reliable players with 36 caps to her name since her debut against Australia in 2002, Fa'amausili is a dynamic hooker who leads by example and inspires those around her.
Black Ferns captain Fiao'o Fa'amausili Photo: Photosport
A physical force in the pack, 36-year-old Fa'amausili is a three-time Women's Rugby World Cup winner who led New Zealand to a series win over Australia last month, scoring two tries in the opening 67-3 win at Eden Park.
Barrett and Coles are joined on the men's award shortlist by 22-year-old England forward Maro Itoje, who made his international debut in February and his Six Nations grand slam-winning teammates Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell.
Ireland forward Jamie Heaslip completes the nominations selected by independent panels featuring former internationals and media.
The winners will be announced on Monday in London.
- Reuters
Dane Coles sees off Adam Ashley Cooper Photo: Photosport
