All Blacks stars Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane have been nominated for the World Rugby men’s player of the year award with Black Ferns skipper Fiao’o Fa’amausili nominated for the women's XV player of the year award.
It is the third time Barrett, 27, has been nominated for the prestigious award having won the accolade in 2016 and 2017.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew says the Kiwi players are worthy of their nominations after a stellar 2018 season at international level.
"Fiao'o, Beauden and Rieko bring our total number of nominations for the awards to seven, with Black Ferns Sevens players - Sarah Goss, Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde nominated for the Women's Sevens Player of the Year award, and All Blacks prop Karl Tu'inukuafe nominated for Breakthrough Player of Year," said Tew.
"All of the New Zealand players nominated for these awards have represented us proudly on the world stage with outstanding individual efforts and these World Rugby nominations confirm that many others outside New Zealand think the same.
"It's no surprise that Fiao'o has been nominated, she is an inspirational captain who has once again led by example as the Black Ferns completed a Series win over Australia earlier this year. We welcomed her reversing her retirement to stay in the game.
"Congratulations also to Beauden who could become the first player to win the prestigious accolade three years in a row after another impressive season in the black jersey. We're also delighted for Rieko who is following up his outstanding form from last year.
"I am sure all our nominees would like to thank their respective teams for their support and for providing the platform on which they can perform."
The awards ceremony will be held in Monte Carlo on November 25.
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