The International Rugby Board have announced their nominations for the IRB Player of the Year Award, which will be presented at a ceremony at Sydney’s Wharf 8 on 23 November.
A distinguished panel of former international players – Paul Ackford (England), Gerald Davies (Wales), Sean Fitzpatrick (New Zealand), Simon Poidevin (Australia), Hugo Porta (Argentina), Philippe Sella (France), Gareth Rees (Canada), Fergus Slattery (Ireland), David Sole (Scotland) and Chester Williams (South Africa) – have nominated the following five players:
Jonny Wilkinson (ENG):
The pin up boy of English rugby, Wilkinson has enjoyed a remarkable 2003 that may only get better depending on the outcome of the Rugby World Cup final against Australia on Saturday night.
A hugely successful 2003 Six Nations campaign in which England won the Grand Slam, followed by victorious tours of Australia and New Zealand, have underlined his world class ability and importance to the England side.
An amazingly accurate goal kicker, Wilkinson averages over 15 points a match – a statistic that is highlighted by his 98 points scored en route to the final. The 24 year old, who plays for English Premiership club the Newcastle Falcons, has also developed his running game and organisational ability in the past 12 months.
Richie McCaw (NZL):
The dynamic flanker had an outstanding Tri Nations series and was one of the All Blacks best players throughout Rugby World Cup 2003.
Often compared to All Blacks legend Josh Kronfeld for his ball snaffling ability and tireless work at the breakdown, McCaw is a fearless competitor destined for greatness and is set to be a lynch pin of the New Zealand pack for years to come.
The 22 year old, who made his debut in 2001 with only eight minutes of Super 12 action to his name, plays for the Christchurch club and the Canterbury Crusaders in the Super 12 competition.
Imanol Harinordoquy (FRA):
Virtually unheard of before his debut against Wales in the 2002 Six Nations, Harinordoquy scored a try in his next game to help France beat England and went on to be an important player as Les Bleus won the Grand Slam.
The 23 year old, who plays his club rugby for Pau and is proud of his Basque identity, has since enhanced his reputation as one of the best number 8’s in the world with some impressive performances this year.
Harinordoquy is not only an excellent lineout jumper for France, he is also very clever behind the scrum and his main strength is an ability to get across the advantage line time and time again.
Phil Waugh (AUS):
A crowd favourite in Australia due to his tenacious and uncompromising play, Waugh has enjoyed his best year to date after recovering from an ankle injury which forced him to miss the entire 2002 Test season.
His performances in the opening four Tests of 2003 at open side flanker were so impressive that when George Smith returned from injury he was picked at blind side. The two of them have now formed a lethal combination for the Wallabies.
The 24 year old, who plays for the Sydney University club and the NSW Waratahs in the Super 12, has an upper body strength that often surprises opponents and is never far from the ball in open play.
Steve Thompson (ENG):
Thompson made his debut against Scotland in the 2002 Six Nations and went on to be the only player to start every game in the campaign, firmly establishing himself as England’s first choice hooker.
The 25 year old, who plays his club rugby for English Premiership side Northampton Saints after graduating from their Academy, has continued his meteoric rise in 2003 and has been one of England’s main ball carriers in the loose this year.
Standing at 188cm, Thompson is one of the new generation of hookers who performs well in the scrum and is effectively a second open side flanker in open play with his supporting play and ability to gain the yards for England.
Other Awards nominees
The following players have been nominated for the IRB International U19 Player of the Year award:
Paul Delport - Sputh Africa
Liam Messam - New Zealand
Jean Baptiste Payras - France
The following players have been nominated for the IRB International U21 Player of the Year award:
Ben Atiga - New Zealand
Schalk Burger - South Africa
Gene Fairbanks - Australia