Lock Eben Etzebeth, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and wing Cheslin Kolbe have all been nominated for World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year in a Springboks-dominated shortlist, but there is no place for South Africa teammate Ox Nche with the prop snubbed by the voting panel.
Loosehead Nche had appeared to be among the standout candidates for the award after an outstanding year at international level, yet has missed out to his three colleagues and Ireland’s Caelan Doris. No prop has ever made the shortlist for the prestigious individual gong, which was first awarded in 2001.
The Red Roses’ Alex Matthews and Ellie Kildunne lead the nominees for the women’s 15s award, with Canada playmaker Alex Tessier and France scrum half Pauline Bourdon Sansus also recognised.
Antoine Dupont, meanwhile, is up for the Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award after transforming France’s fortunes en route to Olympic gold at Paris 2024 this summer.
All Blacks star Wallace Sititi looks the favourite for the Breakthrough Player award, though faces competition from South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The Springboks have enjoyed another strong year, winning a first Rugby Championship since 2019 and beginning their November tour with wins over Scotland and England.
Kolbe’s starring role in Saturday’s win at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham would seem to have only improved his chances of securing recognition that he admits comes second to team success.
“To win World Player of the Year would be special, but that’s not anywhere close to my mind,” he told The Independent ahead of South Africa’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures. “To be honest, it doesn’t bother me. I’m not doing this to be an individual, I’m doing whatever it takes for the team to be better. Once the team is successful, individuals stand out. I just want to do that jersey proud and enjoy myself.”
The winners will be named at a ceremony in Monaco on Sunday 24 November.
WORLD RUGBY AWARDS 2024 | NOMINEES
MEN’S 15s
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
International Rugby Players Men’s 15s Try of the Year
WOMEN’S 15S
World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year
International Rugby Players Women’s 15s Try of the Year
SEVENS
World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year in partnership with HSBC
Other categories with winners announced on 24 November
