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Joe Taufete’e has been shortlisted for the World Rugby Player of the Year award. The Californian is one of six players in consideration for the award which recognizes the best player in the world for the year. The winner will be announced at the World Rugby Awards 2019 in Tokyo on Sunday.
No player from the Americas has ever won the award while Taufete’e is just the third ever nominee. In 2007 Felipe Contepomi, and Juan Martín Hernández were two of the five nominees. They joined Yannick Jauzion (France), Richie McCaw (New Zealand) and the winner Bryan Habana (South Africa).
Taufete’e secured his nomination based on performances at RWC 2019 and in earlier action throughout the year. In 2019 he became the all-time top try scorer for a front-rower. With 18 tries from 21 test matches he smashed the world record previously held by Keith Wood.
At RWC 2019 Taufete’e started all four matches for the Eagles. He is one of six nominees for Player of the Year. The others are Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), Tom Curry (England), Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), and Ardie Savea (New Zealand).
WORLD RUGBY PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNERS
2018 – Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)
2017 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
2016 – Beauden Barrett (New Zealand)
2015 – Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2014 – Brodie Retallick (New Zealand)
2013 – Kieran Read (New Zealand)
2012 – Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2011 – Thierry Dusautoir (France)
2010 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2009 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2008 – Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 – Bryan Habana (South Africa)
2006 – Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
2005 – Daniel Carter (New Zealand)
2004 – Schalk Burger (South Africa)
2003 – Jonny Wilkinson (England)
2002 – Fabien Galthié (France)
2001 – Keith Wood (Ireland)
