Rugby: Black Ferns stars and Wayne Smith up for World Rugby awards, All Blacks snubbed

Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith enjoys the spoils of victory. Photo / photosport.nz

Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith is up against the man who made history against the All Blacks for World Rugby’s coach of the year award.

World Rugby announced their nominations with the All Blacks missing out on having a nominee for the Men’s 15s player of the year for the second straight year.

Smith is up against Ireland coach Andy Farrell who masterminded his side to the first ever series win over the All Blacks following the third test win in Wellington in July. England women’s coach Simon Middleton and French men’s coach Fabien Galthié are the other nominees.

Black Ferns duo Ruahei Demant and Portia Woodman have been nominated for Women’s 15s player of the year along with Canada’s Sophie de Goede, Alex Matthews of England and Laure Sansus of France.

No All Blacks are up for the top award - the men’s 15s player of the year. 2021 winner Antoine Dupont of France earns another nomination along with Springbok Lukhanyo Am and Irish teammates Johnny Sexton and Josh van der Flier who were key in their side’s 2-1 series win over the All Blacks.

Last year was the first time since 2004 that no All Blacks were nominated for the top men’s award. Beauden Barrett was the last All Black to win the award in 2017, his second gong, while Ardie Savea was nominated in 2019. There were no awards held in 2020.

Black Ferns Ruby Tui and Maiakawanakaulani Roos have been nominated for female breakthrough player of the year alongside Maud Muir of England and Fiji’s Vitalina Naikore.

Black Fern Sylvia Brunt is also up for women’s try of the year after finishing off the team effort in the World Cup pool game win over Wales.

The men’s breakthrough player of the year nominees are England’s Henry Arundell and Ange Capuozzo of Italy, along with Irish duo Mack Hansen and Dan Sheehan.