Two Springboks, Francois Steyn and Fourie du Preez, have been nominated for the IRB Player of the Year 2009 award.
The other nominees are Jamie Heaslip and Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland), Tom Croft (England), Matt Giteau (Australia), and Richie McCaw (New Zealand). The winner will be announced during the final weekend of November internationals, as will the Team of the Year and Coach of the Year. Du Preez is widely tipped to receive the award, but anything is possible when it comes to the IRB.
Previous Winners
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 РFabien Galthi̩ (France)
2001 – Keith Wood (Ireland)
It will be between BOD and FDP