Welsh pair on IRB nominees list
Williams scored six tries in five matches during the Six Nations
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Wednesday, 24, Sep 2008 07:04
Wales duo Shane Williams and Ryan Jones and Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair have all been named on the shortlist for one of world ruby's most prestigious awards.
The three internationals join Six Nations rival Italy's Sergio Parisse and New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter, who won in 2005, on the five-man list for the International Rugby Board (IRB) player of the year prize.
Welsh winger Williams shone in his country's Six Nations grand slam-winning side earlier this year, finishing as the tournament's top-scorer with six tries and being named as the player of the tournament.
His team-mate Jones captained the side from number eight and was an influential member of the Welsh pack.
Blair and Parisse stood out for their respective nations, despite Scotland and Italy managing only two wins between them during the spring tournament.
And Carter, as he has for the last few seasons, played a starring role in the All Blacks' much-vaunted backline as they claimed their sixth Tri-Nations title in seven years earlier this month.
"The IRB player of the year award is the ultimate accolade for a player and takes into account performances in all the major internationals played during the year including the Six Nations, Tri-Nations and the June and July Tests," said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset.
"The list of past winners of this coveted award is impressive and reads like a who's who of the international game in recent years.
"Jonny Wilkinson, Schalk Burger, Richie McCaw, Fabien Galthie, Dan Carter, Bryan Habana and Keith Wood were all worthy recipients of the award, while Carter would be the first player to win twice should he be selected."
The nominees were decided by a panel of judges appointed by the IRB, including several of the game's most respected former internationals.
Tana Umaga, Raphael Ibanez, Will Greenwood, Francois Pienaar, Agustin Pichot, Gavin Hastings, Scott Quinnell, Paul Wallace and convenor John Eales all marked the players after watching their side's competitive fixtures.
The winner of the award will be announced at a gala dinner in London on November 23rd.