World Rugby have revealed the names of the three players on the shortlist for the Breakthrough Player of the Year 2015. They are Georgian scrum-half Vasil Lobzhanidze, All Black winger Nehe Milner-Skudder and Scotland centre Mark Bennett, who all impressed at the World Cup.
Vasil Lobzhanidze (now 19), became the World Cup’s youngest ever player when he started against Tonga at 18 years and 340 days. He was also part of Georgia’s winning team at the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in May.
Nehe Milner-Skudder (24), who is surely the favourite here, has had a sensational World Cup for the All Blacks, scoring five tries so far.
Mark Bennett (22) was one of only five players to start every Six Nations match in 2015. In the World Cup, he scored two tries against Japan and one against Australia.
The winner of this new competition will be announced at the World Rugby Awards dinner in London on November 1, at the end of the final weekend.
