Ireland's Bundee Aki and Andy Farrell have both been nominated for World Rugby's men's Player of the Year and Coach of the Year prizes respectively.
Aki was Ireland's standout player in this year's Rugby World Cup campaign, scoring five tries, one of which came in the narrow defeat to New Zealand two weeks ago.
The 33-year-old was also voted Player of the Match in two out of four of Ireland's pool games, against Tonga and South Africa respectively.
However, the Connacht centre faces tough competition for that gong. France's captain and former winner Antoine Dupont, New Zealand's number 8 Ardie Savea, and South Africa's second row Eben Etzebeth are also in contention.
Meanwhile, Ireland's Farrell has also been selected for an individual coaching accolade. The former Rugby League player has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award for the second time in a row.
Farrell and his coaching team managed to help Ireland record 17 straight wins in a row, 12 of which came in 2023. He joins a list that includes South Africa's Jacques Nienaber, New Zealand's Ian Foster, and Simon Raiwalui of Fiji.
Bundee is in the running for @WorldRugby Player of the Year! 🔥#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/EZpDRoN1Vd
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 26, 2023
Finally, Ireland's Hugo Keenan has been nominated for the International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year. Keenan's opening try in the win over France in March has made this shortlist.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “All those nominated today deserve not only our congratulations but also our thanks for everything they have contributed, on and off the field, to inspire fans and players worldwide, driving rugby forward in 2023 in line with our sport’s values.
“The strength of rugby is its players, coaches, officials, and volunteers, and these shortlists provide a vivid snapshot of a sport that is thriving globally in its 200th year. One day after we crown the Rugby World Cup 2023 champions, we look forward once again to uniting our global family and presenting a wider cast of winners with the ultimate accolades in our sport – the World Rugby Awards.”
The 2023 World Rugby awards will take place in Paris on Sunday.
For a full list of awards and information, click here.
