Ireland captain Caelan Dorries is up for four World Rugby Player of the Year nominations.
The 26-year-old number 8 led Ireland to an away win over world champions South Africa this summer and was also a key member of Ireland’s Six Nations title-winning side last season.
Dorries would become the fourth Irishman to win the award if he wins, after Keith Wood, Jonny Sexton and Josh van der Flier.
He is joined on the shortlist by three Springboks – former winner Pieter-Steph du Toit, lock Eben Etzebet and wing Cheslin Kolb.
Meanwhile, England midfielder Emmanuel Faye-Waboso has been nominated for the men’s player of the year, joining Ireland utility defender Jamie Osborne, South Africa defender Sascha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi.
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Sky Sports News’ James Cole has reacted to England’s defeat to world champions South Africa in the Autumn Nations Series.
The women’s award is claimed by England’s Ellie Kildoon
England’s current dominance of the women’s game is highlighted by full-back Ellie Kildoon and forward Alex Matthews battling it out for Player of the Year.
Red Rose flanker Maddie Faunati and Irishman Erin King also feature in the breakout department.
Australia fullback Caitlin Hulse, who became the youngest Australian, male or female, to play Test rugby when she won her first cap at 17 years, 242 days, was also named alongside 20-year-old New Zealand’s Hannah King.
The winners will be announced on November 24 at the award ceremony in Monaco.
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