Ireland's Mack Hansen, Dan Sheehan and Andy Farrell nominated for World Rugby awards

Ireland pair Mack Hansen and Dan Sheehan have been shortlisted for World Rugby's breakthrough player of the year award while Andy Farrell is up for head coach of 2022.

Hansen and Sheehan have played key roles for Ireland this year as they won a first series in New Zealand, finished as Six Nations runners-up and beat world champions South Africa.

Hansen, who made his debut in last February’s Six Nations opener against Wales, has become a mainstay on the wing and scored tries in this month's wins over South Africa and Fiji to take his tally to three in eight games.

Sheehan grasped his opportunity at international level following the injury to Leinster team-mate Ronán Kelleher, starting all three Tests against the All Blacks.

The 24-year-old came off the bench against Fiji last weekend for his 12th Test cap.

Italy full-back Ange Capuozzo, who scored two tries in their historic win over Australia, is also up for the breakthrough player award along with England’s Henry Arundel.

Farrell, who masterminded Ireland’s Test series triumph against New Zealand in July and has seen his team rise to No 1 in the world rankings, is joined by England women’s head coach Simon Middleton, New Zealand women’s supremo Wayne Smith and France boss Fabien Galthié on the shortlist for head coach of the year.

Smith led New Zealand to Women’s World Cup glory on Saturday as they ended England’s 30-game winning streak with a thrilling 34-31 victory, while Galthié guided France to a first Six Nations Grand Slam in 12 years. They beat South Africa on Saturday to register a record-extending 12th Test win in a row.

World Rugby will unveil their nominees for men’s player of the year at 6pm on Monday, with the women's shortlist following at 6.30pm.

The World Rugby