World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Shortlist

• Bundee Aki (Ireland)
• Antoine Dupont (France)
• Eben Etzebeth (South Africa)
• Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

An even split of forwards and backs who have all been at the heart of their nations’ successes in 2023.

Centre Bundee Aki was in inspired form at RWC 2023, scoring five tries in a tournament that saw him play his 50th test for Ireland.
 
A test centurion, Eben Etzebeth continues to be a towering presence in the Springbok lineout while also weighing in with important tries as his score in the quarter-final defeat of France showed.

Fellow finalist Ardie Savea always seems to be everywhere on the pitch for the All Blacks, his tireless work-rate evident for all to see in the quarter-final defeat of Ireland.

Finally, scrum-half Antoine Dupont is not only the captain of France but the heartbeat of the team that has captured the imagination of the French public, despite their RWC heartbreak, with his constant threat around the pitch.  

I think the SA supporters should forget about Etzebeth getting the award.  As a lock line-out jumping is a key element in assessing performances and he was apart of a malfunctioning of the throughout the WC poor.

Actually no…..Etzebeth was money throughout the tournament. And yesterday he stole two NZ balls. The issue was Deon Fourie, pressed into duty because of the silly call on a replacement hooker, underthrew Etzebeth twice.

I think it’s between Etzebeth and Savea.

Actually no…..Etzebeth was money throughout the tournament. And yesterday he stole two NZ balls. The issue was Deon Fourie, pressed into duty because of the silly call on a replacement hooker, underthrew Etzebeth twice.

Dud Toit was beaten to the ball for the same reason minute 60.47….look and learn.

I think it’s between Etzebeth and Savea.

Savea won it!

As much as I would have liked to see Eben retire with the award, but if it is true about Savea winning the award I could not agree more.

What a player he is and above all the great sportsman as he has demonstrated during games and afterwards.

Well done Savea.

This guy delivers every game…. great player.