Stade Francais scrum-half Fabien Galthie has been nominated for the most prestigious award in world rugby - the International Rugby Board's (IRB) player of the year award.

He has been rewarded for his excellent performances as captain of France during their Six Nations Championship success.

Sale Sharks and England full-back Jason Robinson - whose lightning pace was instrumental in Sale winning the PARKER PEN SHIELD last season - is also in the picture for the honour.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll, New Zealand's Richard McCaw and Joe van Niekerk of South Africa complete the list of nominees.

Player of the Year is just one of 11 categories the judges will consider. The others are: Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, U19 Player of the Year, U21 Player of the Year, Sevens Player of the Year, Referee Distinguished Service award, Spirit of Rugby award, Women's Player of the Year, Development award and Chairman awards.

A judging panel of nine former international players will make the decision at the IRB awards ceremony in January.

They are: Gerald Davies of Wales, Paul Ackford of England, Scotland's David Sole, Fergus Slattery of Ireland, France's Philippe Sella, South African Chester Williams, Simon Poidevin of Australia, Sean Fitzpatrick of New Zealand, and Argentinian Hugo Porta.