Ireland’s rugby captain, Caelan Doris, has been nominated for World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the sport. The 26-year-old No 8 played a pivotal role in guiding Ireland to a historic away Test victory over reigning world champions South Africa this summer and was integral to his team’s Six Nations title success last season.
If Doris wins, he would join the ranks of legendary Irish players as the fourth recipient of this prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Keith Wood, Johnny Sexton, and Josh van der Flier. He is up against a formidable shortlist that includes acclaimed Springboks: former winner Pieter-Steph du Toit, lock Eben Etzebeth, and wing Cheslin Kolbe.
In addition, English wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has earned a nomination for Men’s Breakthrough Player of the Year, competing against Ireland’s Jamie Osborne, South Africa’s Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi.
Highlighting England’s dominance in women’s rugby, full-back Ellie Kildunne and forward Alex Matthews have both been nominated for the Women’s Player of the Year award. Fellow nominees in the breakthrough category include Red Roses flanker Maddie Feaunati and Ireland’s Erin King. Australia’s Caitlyn Hals, recognized as the youngest Australian to play Test rugby at just 17 years and 242 days, is also nominated alongside New Zealand’s 20-year-old Hannah King.
The winners will be revealed at a prestigious awards ceremony in Monaco on November 24.
