Leigh Halfpenny on IRB player of the year shortlist

Leigh Halfpenny has been nominated for the International Rugby Board's player of the year award.

The Wales full-back is the only British player to be shortlisted for the prize, which was won by New Zealand's Dan Carter last year.

Halfpenny helped his national side to victory in the Six Nations earlier this year and was the top points scorer for the British and Irish Lions on their tour of Australia this summer.

New Zealand internationals Kieran Read and Ben Smith, Italy's Sergio Parisse and Eben Etzebeth of South Africa are also in the running for the award.