World Rugby Awards nominations revealed

The annual World Rugby awards will be taking place on Sunday evening following the conclusion of the World Cup final on Saturday.

The biggest names from all around rugby will be showing their faces at the prestigious awards, where the greatest players in the game are recognised and ranked for their achievements within the past year.

WORLD RUGBY AWARDS 2023 – NOMINEES

Women’s Sevens Player of the Year:
* Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)
* Maddison Levi (Australia)
* Tyla Nathan-Wong (New Zealand)
* Reapi Ulunisau (Fiji)

Men’s Sevens Player of the Year:
* Leroy Carter (New Zealand)
* Rodrigo Isgro (Argentina)
* Marcos Moneta (Argentina)
* Akuila Rokolisoa (New Zealand)

International Rugby Players Men’s Try of the Year:
* Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland, v England on 4 February)
* Damian Penaud (France, v Ireland on 11 February)
* Hugo Keenan (Ireland, France on 11 February)
* Vinaya Habosi (Fiji, v Georgia on 1 October)

Coach of the Year:
* Andy Farrell (Ireland)
* Ian Foster (New Zealand)
* Simon Raiwalui (Fiji)
* Jacques Nienaber (South Africa)

Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year:
* Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
* Manie Libbok (South Africa)
* Mark Tele’a (New Zealand)
* Tamaiti Williams (New Zealand)

Men’s 15s Player of the Year:
* Bundee Aki (Ireland)
* Antoine Dupont (France)
* Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
* Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Other categories being awarded:
* Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service
* International Rugby Players Special Merit Award
* Rugby for All Award
* World Rugby Referee Award
* Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year

Categories awarded following the conclusion of WXV:
* Women’s 15s Player of the Year
* Women’s 15s Dream Team of the Year
* Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
* International Rugby Players Women’s Try of the Year

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.”