England flanker Henry Pollock has been nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old’s sensational rise includes two tries on his England debut against Wales in March, before selection for the British and Irish Lions’ tour of Australia.<\/p>\n
Although he did not feature in a Lions Test, he has continued to shine for England, scoring a vital try against Australia<\/a> at the start of November.<\/p>\n Northampton’s Pollock is known for his high energy, speed and immense work-rate, which has been used to good affect off the bench this autumn.<\/p>\n New Zealand’s Dutch-born lock Fabian Holland, South Africa wing Ethan Hooker and Australia’s cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are the other nominees.<\/p>\n France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who was named the 2025 Six Nations Player of the Tournament, is nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year.<\/p>\n The 22-year-old scored eight tries – a record in a single championship – as France lifted the title for a 19th time.<\/p>\n Last year’s winner Pieter-Steph du Toit, who won the award in 2019 as well, is again nominated after helping South Africa win back-to-back Rugby Championships.<\/a><\/p>\n Fellow Springboks Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche are also up for the award, with Rassie Erasmus’ side topping the world rankings after an impressive year.<\/p>\n The winners of both awards, and the men’s international try of the year, will be announced on Saturday.<\/p>\n