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Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje lead nominations for World Rugby player of the year award

Owen Farrell of the Lions acknowledges the crowd after they draw the final Test 15-15 at Eden Park
Image: Owen Farrell excelled for the Lions on their tour of New Zealand in the summer

Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje have been nominated for World Rugby's player of the year award.

The England duo make the shortlist after excelling for the British and Irish Lions in the summer's drawn Test series with New Zealand.

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All Blacks pair Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane and Australia's Israel Folau complete the contenders, with a new star-studded awards panel making the selections.

Supporters, international captains, coaches and the media will be able to add their voice to the deliberations, before the panel makes the ultimate decisions, with the gongs dished out at World Rugby's annual awards dinner in Monaco on 26 November.

Maro Itoje celebrates with supporters after the British & Irish Lions' win in the second Test
Image: Maro Itoje was a star of the Lions' summer tour to New Zealand

"There have been numerous highlights from a fascinating year of international rugby that comprised an outstanding Women's Rugby World Cup, a compelling British and Irish Lions tour, Six Nations and The Rugby Championship competitions and a superb programme of Test rugby," said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.

"I am sure there will be lots of debate over the coming weeks. I'd like to thank the panel for their expert consideration and look forward to the winners being announced."

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 Lydia Thompson scored one of England's tries
Image: England's Lydia Thompson is nominated in the women's player of the year category

England's Lydia Thompson has been nominated for World Rugby's women's player of the year, with New Zealand duo Kelly Brazier and Portia Woodman and France pair Romane Menager and Safi N'Diaye also on the list.

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