Two Springboks, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe, are among the six nominees announced by World Rugby for the prestigious Player of the Year awards for 2019.
The winners will be crowned at the World Rugby Awards in Tokyo on Sunday when one of Du Toit or Kolbe will be hoping to emulate the only two Springboks to have won this award, Schalk Burger (2004) and Bryan Habana (2007).
Following a stellar year for international rugby culminating in a very special Rugby World Cup 2019, the shortlists for the ultimate accolade feature players who have excited and inspired fans around the world with their feats during the year.
The other four nominees are Tom Curry (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Ardie Savea (New Zealand) and Joe Taufete'e (USA).
The shortlist was selected by the star-studded World Rugby Awards men's panel, which includes Rugby World Cup legends Richie McCaw, John Smit, George Gregan and Brian O'Driscol.
World Rugby also announced the nominees for Women's 15s Player of the Year. They are Sarah Bern (England), Pauline Bourdon (France), Kendra Cocksedge (New Zealand), Katy Daley-Mclean (England) and Emily Scarratt (England).
