Farrell in Shock IRB Player Of The Year Nomination

England international Owen Farrell is a shock nomination for the prestigious International Rugby Board player of the year award.

Farrell, currently England's reserve fly-half, has been nominated alongside New Zealand pair Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, plus current France number 10 Frederic Michalak.

His listing has come as a real shock, with no place for Argentina captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Wales flanker Dan Lydiate - last season's RBS 6 Nations player of the tournament - Australia back-row star David Pocock and All Blacks number eight Kieran Read.

Farrell, the 21-year-old son of England assistant coach Andy Farrell, is expected to replace an injured Toby Flood against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday in his first Test match start since losing his place last summer.

The winner will be announced at next Monday's 2015 Rugby World Cup pool draw in London, together with IRB coach of the year and team of the year.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "As ever, the competition has been fierce and the panel had a tough time deliberating the shortlist from a number of stand-out candidates."