Ireland's Paul Wallace has been shortlisted for the prestigious player of the season award in England. The Saracens prop is one of six players in contention for the Premiership award.

Newcastle captain Dean Ryan and Western Samoan back-row star Pat Lam are among the other nominations, alongside Wallace's clubmates Michael Lynagh and Danny Grewcock, plus Leicester flanker Neil Back.

Wallace, Keith Wood, Malcolm O'Kelly, Conor O'Shea, Niall Woods and Paddy Johns are contesting the Irish player-of-the-season category.

The winners will be announced at an awards lunch in London on Friday.

Nominations

Player-of-the-season: Pat Lam, Paul Wallace, Michael Lynagh, Danny Grewcock, Dean Ryan, Neil Back.

International player-of-the-season: Michael Lynagh, Francois Pienaar, Richard Tombs, Pat Lam, Joel Stransky.

Irish player-of-the-season: Paul Wallace, Keith Wood, Niall Woods, Malcolm O'Kelly, Paddy Johns, Conor O'Shea.

Scottish player-of-the-season: Doddie Weir, Alan Tait, Dave Hilton, Gary Armstrong, Andy Nicol.

Welsh player-of-the-season: Allan Bateman, Huw Harries, Craig Quinnell, Adrian Davies.

Young player-of-the-season: Ben Sturnham, George Chuter, Craig Gillies, Matt Perry, Phil Vickery.