Welsh duo nominated for top rugby prize

WALES coach Warren Gatland has hailed nominations for two of his Grand Slam stars to contest the IRB’s prestigious player of the year award.

Captain Ryan Jones and wing wizard Shane Williams are in contention for Test rugby’s top individual prize.

Scotland scrum-half and skipper Mike Blair is also on the shortlist, together with New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter and Italy captain Sergio Parisse.

Both Jones and Williams played significant roles last season when Wales won the Six Nations title and Grand Slam for a second time in four years.

Gatland said: “To have one player from your squad nominated for an award like this would be a proud moment. But the fact that both Shane and Ryan are in contention should be looked on as a testament to the hard work and effort of the whole squad.

“Shane has been in sparkling form, and not only lit up the Six Nations, but also shone on our tour to South Africa in the summer.

“Ryan returned from injury just before the Six Nations to lead from the front, and the leadership role he fulfils should not be underestimated.”

Jones is the current favourite for Lions captaincy duties in South Africa next summer. His Ospreys team-mate Williams, meanwhile, broke Gareth Thomas’ Wales try-scoring record last term, and currently has 43 touchdowns from 58 Test appearances.

The diminutive wing is regarded as one of world rugby’s most dangerous attackers, and would be seen in many quarters as favourite for the award.

Blair led Scotland to Calcutta Cup glory against England at Murrayfield last March, while All Blacks ace Carter took the IRB’s top accolade in 2005.

Carter, who begins a lucrative six-month stint with French club Perpignan in December, also guided New Zealand to this year’s Tri-Nations title, underlining his status as the world’s leading number 10. Parisse has captained Italy under the coaching regime of Nick Mallett, establishing himself among the most consistent number eights in international rugby.

The winner will be announced in London on November 23. If Carter wins the award, he would be the first player to win twice. The awards judges, including John Eales, Gavin Hastings and Francois Pienaar, will also vote on team and coach of the year.