World Rugby today confirmed the three nominees for the inaugural Breakthrough Player of the Year award this afternoon, featuring two northern hemisphere players.
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“I haven’t played much rugby this season, and the global stage has been a big step up, but I’ve loved every second of it”.
Bennett said: “I was absolutely over the moon when I realised I was up for the award”.
Milner-Skudder limped out of the semifinal win against the Springboks with a calf injury but the All Blacks are confident he will be fit for this weekend’s final against Australia at Twickenham in London.
The All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder’s outstanding season has continued with the Manawatu flyer shortlisted for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
The victor will be announced at the post-tournament awards ceremony on Sunday, but in the meantime the trio can bask in the praise of George Gregan, the former Wallaby scrum-half who is on the judging panel.
And his stock has shot through the roof following an impressive Rugby World Cup.
Despite his young age, Bennett already has 13 caps and six global tries under his belt, since making his debut against Argentina previous year.
“I’m sure all three players have a bright future not only for their teams and the countries they play for but for world rugby in general”. The 24-year-old has started five matches at RWC 2015 and continued his penchant for try-scoring doubles, crossing twice against both Namibia and Tonga in Pool C and then once in the quarter-final against France.
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“We felt that we did so well as a team and were unfortunate not to progress further in the competition”.
