New Zealand's most capped player of all time, Richie McCaw is in line to win his fourth IRB 'Player of the Year' award having been included in today's shortlist. The All Blacks captain is joined by three others, all of whom are fly halves. They include fellow New Zealander Dan Carter, England's Owen Farrell and France's reborn Frédéric Michalak.
Ireland's Rob Kearney who was recently named the 'European Player of the Year' has been over looked completely. The full back who was sensational in Leinster's winning Heineken Cup campaign has also been outstanding for Ireland in the past year.
McCaw has already won the award in '06, '09, and '10. Carter is another previous winner having picked up the gong in '05. If he was to win it again, he would become only the second player ever to win it twice. Farrell who is perhaps the surprise inclusion is nominated in what is his debut year in international rugby. Michalak's impressive displays in France's Autumn internationals sees him nominated.
The shortlist was drawn up by an independent committee which includes John Eales, Tana Umaga, Francois Pienaar, Will Greenwood, Paul Wallace, Gavin Hastings, Scott Quinnell Ibanez and Agustín Pichot.
The winner will be selected next Monday in London when the draw for the 2015 Rugby World Cup draw takes place.
Previous Winners:
2011 – Thierry Dusautoir (France)
2010 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2009 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2008 – Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 – Bryan Habana (South Africa)
2006 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2005 – Dan Carter (New Zealand)
2004 – Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003 – Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002 – Fabien Galthié (France)
2001 – Keith Wood (Ireland)
