ARN Breakthrough Player of the Year 2015

There are always new faces on the international scene, some come through as stars while others fade into history as ‘one-cap wonders’. Instead of looking for new kids on the block, our nominees for Breakthrough Player of the Year have gone from test contenders to international success stories. Only one debuted this year, and all have been on the radar for some time but found their greatest achievements in 2015.

HONOURABLE MENTION

Were it not for an untimely injury to Ontario Blues teammate Tom Dolezel, Djustice Sears-Duru might not have even been named in the Pacific Nations Cup squad. As it was, the 21-year-old took his chances with both hands as he plowed over opposition with ball in hand and more than held his own in the scrum. His impressive performances not only secured him a spot in the World Cup squad, but also prompted many to question whether he should get the nod as first choice loosehead prop ahead of incumbent Hubert Buydens. The tournament itself didn’t quite go as planned, but he remains an immense physical talent set for big things in the near future.

American fans have been counting the days for AJ MacGinty to qualify for the Eagles on residency. The Irish-born Life University star made his long-awaited debut in July against Samoa and hasn’t looked back. It’s not just his impressive kicking skills that made him a difference-maker, he’s got a complete array of talent ideal for the flyhalf position. Slick passing, the ability to break the line, and vision to go with composure under pressure. To top off his year he signed with Guinness Pro 12 upstarts Connacht, which should see his stock rise even further in the coming years.

Despite showing huge promise since making his test debut in 2013, Santiago Cordero was still considered by some to be a bit lucky to be included in Argentina’s World Cup squad. Lightning quick but small and defensively suspect, he was a proven star on the sevens circuit but not yet on the test arena. Those who doubted him were silenced in dramatic fashion as Cordero finally came through on his potential with a superb tournament, scoring three highlight-reel tries and proving a danger man with every touch of the ball.

THE WINNER

While all three runners-up, particularly Cordero, gave us pause for thought, ultimately the award goes to a 22-year-old Canadian forward on the verge of becoming an international star. Cindy Nelles started the year as a promising athlete who was a late call-up to the 2014 World Cup but made no appearances. By the end of 2015 she was captain of Canada’s Maple Leafs squad and the standout player on the field against England Academy. Along the way the Belleville native  – a dominant no8 with size and speed – won her first test starts and led McMaster to their first ever CIS National Championship victory, winning tournament MVP and capturing the CIS player of the year award in the process. For her outstanding achievements, Cindy Nelles is our Breakthrough Player of the Year.