Jonathan Sexton on IRB World Player of the Year shortlist

Ireland international Jonathan Sexton has been named on a five-man shortlist for the International Rugby Board World Player of the Year Award.

The fly-half is up for the award alongside South African players Willie le Roux and Duane Vermeulen, as well as New Zealanders Julian Savea and Brodie Retallick.

The only Irishman to previously win the award was Keith Hill in 2001, while Wales's Shane Williams was the last home nations players to pick up the prize in 2008.

Kieran Read of New Zealand claimed last year's award.