Winner in 2021, French scrum half Antoine Dupont (Stade Toulousain) is once again nominated for the title of best player of the year, which will be awarded on Sunday in Monaco, World Rugby announced on Monday.
Author of the Grand Slam in the Six Nations Tournament with the XV of France, who can end the year undefeated in the event of success against Japan on Sunday during their third autumn test, Dupont is the favorite. The captain of the Blues was selected alongside South African center three-quarter Lukhanyo Am (Sharks) and two Irishmen, third row Josh van der Flier (Leinster) and fly-half Johnny Sexton (Leinster), who had already obtained this award in 2018.
Only New Zealanders Dan Carter (2005, 2012, 2015), Richie McCaw (2006, 2009, 2010) and Beauden Barrett (2016, 2017) have been more than once so far. Before him, two other French people had been awarded the title of best player in the world: the former scrum half and current coach Fabien Galthié (2002), also nominated for the title of best coach, and the former third row Thierry Dusautoir ( 2011).
The best world player of the year 2022 will be chosen by a jury made up of former international players, including McCaw, Dusautoir and the Australian Drew Mitchell. His name will be revealed on Sunday during a ceremony in Monaco, where several other prizes will be awarded. French scrum half Laure Sansus, injured in the first match of the recent Women’s World Cup in New Zealand, was also nominated for the title of world player of the year.
APPOINTMENTS. Player of the year: Lukhanyo Am (AFS), Antoine DUPONT (FRA), Johnny Sexton (IRL), Josh van der Flier (IRL). Player of the year: Sophie de Goede (CAN), Ruahei Demant (NZL), Alex Matthews (ENG), Laure SANSUS (FRA), Portia Woodman (NZL). Coach of the year: Andy Farrell (IRL), Fabien GALTHIE (FRA), Simon Middleton (ENG women), Wayne Smith (NZL women).
