Jones and Curry up for Men’s Player of the Year

Alun Wyn Jones and Tom Curry are among the six nominees for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award which will be announced on Sunday.

Wales captain Jones is selected after leading his country to the Grand Slam in March, before captaining Wales to the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup.

He was named Guinness Six Nations Player of the Championship for his performances earlier in the year, and could now add another title to his collection.

Jones faces competition from England flanker Curry, one of the nominees for the Player of the Championship award.

At just 21, Curry has thrived both at openside flanker and more recently at blindside in conjunction with Sam Underhill.

He helped England to second place in the Guinness Six Nations before playing a leading role in their run to the World Cup final.

Tom Curry has enjoyed a fantastic year. ©Inpho

The other four nominees are South African duo Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe, All Black flanker Ardie Savea and USA hooker Joe Taufete’e.

The six players are looking to succeed Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton in winning the award after his performances in 2018 as Ireland claimed the Grand Slam as well as a first home victory over New Zealand.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Men’s and Women’s 15s Player of the Year awards are the ultimate accolade for Test players and this year there have been an exceptional number of outstanding candidates. I would like to congratulate all 11 players who, deservingly, have been nominated for this year’s award.”

World Rugby Player of the Year Nominees

Tom Curry (England)
Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)
Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
Joe Taufete’e (USA)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)

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Source: 6 Nations