Ireland dominate nominees for Rugby Union Writers’ Club award

Ireland dominate a list of five nominees in contention to be named The Rugby Union Writers’ Club personality of the year for 2018.

The Grand Slam champions are well represented following an outstanding 12 months in which they won 11 out of 12 Tests including an historic victory over New Zealand on home soil in November.

Head coach Joe Schmidt is competing with outhalf Johnny Sexton and tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong to win the prestigious award currently held by England's Owen Farrell.

Continuing the Irish theme is the inclusion of Stuart Lancaster for his outstanding work in helping guide Leinster to a fourth European title after Racing 92 were toppled in the Champions Cup final in May.

Jack Carty signs two-year contract extension at Connacht

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Ian Keatley set to join Benetton Rugby next season

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Dylan Hartley’s fitness battle continues as Six Nations looms

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Leinster and Ulster’s second strings get a chance to impress

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Also present among the leading contenders is South Africa flanker Siya Kolisi, who became the first black player to captain the Springboks' Test team and celebrated the occasion by overseeing a 2-1 series victory against England in June.

The winner will be announced at the annual dinner of the RUWC in central London on Monday evening.

Greats of the game whose names have been engraved on the winners' trophy in the past include Gareth Edwards, Bill Beaumont, David Campese, Jonah Lomu, Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Brian O'Driscoll and Dan Carter.