Wicklow's Josh Van Der Flier Makes Shortlist For World Player Of The Year Award

Five Irishmen are on the shortlist for the EPCR Player of the Year award following the Heineken Champions Cup pool stages.

Wicklow's Josh van der Flier is in contention to win the award for the second year in a row, while Leinster team-mates Caelan Doris, Garry Ringrose and Jamie Osborne are also included among the 15 nominees.

Munster number eight Gavin Coombes is also nominated.

The shortlist will be narrowed down to five following the Champions Cup semi-finals, and players not shortlised - who impress in the knockout rounds - can still be considered.