Ireland and Leinster centre Brian O'Driscollhas been nominated for the International Rugby Players' Association player of the year award.
O'Driscoll is one of five players shortlisted for the award alongside England's Jonny Wilkinson, Frenchman Fabien Galthie, Australia's Stephen Larkham, and All Black Scott Robertson.
The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park, in London on November 13th.
Last year's winner was Australian George Gregan, who said: "There is now so much talent in both the northern and southern hemispheres that competition to be the best, collectively and individually, is getting stronger and stronger every year".
At home, the Celtic League semi-final between Munsterand Connacht will take place at Thomond Park in Cork at the end of November.
The match has been pencilled in for Friday, November 29th to accommodate broadcasters TG4.