O’Connell up for international award

Ireland forward Paul O’Connell is among the nominations for International Rugby Board player of the year.

The Munster captain, who toured New Zealand with the Lions last year, is on a short-list of five, joining All Blacks pair Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, Australia full-back Chris Latham and South Africa’s Fourie du Preez.

The winner will be announced at the IRB awards night in Glasgow on November 26.