Ireland and Leinster star Jamie Heaslip has been nominated for the 2016 World Rugby Men's Player of the Year.
Heaslip is on a six-man shortlist that includes New Zealand's Beauden Barrett and Dane Coles along with the England trio of Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola.
The Ireland vice-captain has been involved in all nine of Ireland's games this year. The 32-year-old was instrumental in last weekend's win over New Zealand in Chicago along with the historic first test win over South Africa in Cape Town in June.
Congratulations to @IrishRugby No.8 @jamieheaslip on your nomination for World Rugby Men's Player of the Year 2016 #WorldRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/qyTHCg05DL
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 7, 2016
It is the second time Heaslip has been nominated for the award. In 2009, he was beaten to the prize by New Zealand's Richie McCaw.
If Heaslip is to win the award this year, he will become only the second Irish player to win the prestigious prize. Hooker Keith Wood won the inaugural title in 2001.
Heaslip is only the second Irish player to be nominated for the award since 2009. In 2014, Jonathan Sexton lost out to New Zealand's Brodie Retallick.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on November 13th. Heaslip is also in the running for the Try of the Year, after he scored Ireland's excellent team try in the Six Nations against Italy.
Vote for your IRPA Try of the Year 2016! Which of these three tries should win? #WorldRugbyAwards https://t.co/2D0bRl2H71
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) November 1, 2016
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