The 29-year-old flanker, who helped Leinster Rugby reach the Heineken Champions Cup final last season, is named alongside teammate Johnny Sexton, Stade Toulousain scrum-half Antoine Dupont and Cell C Sharks centre Lukhanyo Am for the prestigious trophy.

All four are set to be involved in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, which begins for the quartet's clubs on either December 10 or 11.

Before then, though, are the 22nd World Rugby Awards, which will be handed out on November 20 at a glittering ceremony at the Salle des Étoiles in Monte Carlo under the high patronage of HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Awards are the ultimate accolades for rugby and we are delighted to honour the outstanding players and individuals who have made an impact on our game on and off the field in 2022.

“On behalf of World Rugby, I would like to congratulate all nominees of this 22nd edition for their incredible achievements over the past calendar year. Not only have they showcased tremendous rugby skills, but they have also inspired millions of fans around the world helping spread the values of our sport.”

EPCR Player of the Year Josh van der Flier will seek to complete a notable personal double on Sunday, having been shortlisted as one of four nominees for the World Rugby Player of the Year.