Hooper and Kerevi nominated for World Rugby player of the year

Michael Hooper and Samu Kerevi have capped career-best seasons with nominations for World Rugby’s player of the year award.

Hooper, who surpassed George Gregan as the most-capped Wallabies captain against the Springboks in Brisbane earlier this year, has returned from a sabbatical in Japan’s Top League in sensational form and added to his nomination for the same award in 2015.

Michael Hooper has enjoyed a career-best season.Credit:Getty

The Wallabies captain is in major doubt for the final Test of the season against Wales on Sunday morning (AEDT) but has led the side with aplomb in every match this year.

Hooper’s nomination is of little surprise, but the same can’t be said for Kerevi.

The star centre returned from Suntory Sungoliath in world-class form but played only five Tests this season.

He helped lead the Wallabies to four consecutive wins â€" two against both South Africa and Argentina â€" and the Australian attack has spluttered his absence against Scotland and England.

Samu Kerevi was in barnstorming form against South Africa and Argentina.Credit:Getty

The nomination is a nod to the 28-year-old’s impact against the Springboks and Pumas.

The other two contenders for the award, which will be voted on by fans, are France playmaker Antoine Dupont and England enforcer Maro Itoje.

Hooper and Kerevi aren’t the only Wallabies nominated for awards.

Coach Dave Rennie will be up against compatriot Ian Foster for coach of the year, as well as Simon Middleton (England women), Allan Bunting and Corey Sweeney (New Zealand women’s sevens).

In the breakthrough player of the year category, Andrew Kellaway has been rewarded for a remarkable rookie season with a nomination.

The classy finisher will be up against Will Jordan (New Zealand), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) and Marcus Smith (England).

Voting on the awards will close on Sunday, November 21.

Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos congratulated the quartet on their nominations.

“This is a huge achievement, and great recognition for Michael, Samu, Andrew and Dave after what has been an encouraging Wallabies season,” Marinos said.

“It’s great personal reward for each of them as we continue to build into 2022 and the Rugby World Cup in France which is now just around the corner.

“I encourage every fan to make sure they get online and vote for Michael and Samu to ensure an Australian takes home the World Rugby player of the year crown.”

Meanwhile, Rennie will be buoyed by news out of Queensland that talented outside back Jordan Petaia will move to fullback for the Reds next season.

Petaia will miss the rest of the Wallabies tour with a hamstring complaint, but Queensland general manager Sam Cordingley said the injury was a strain and milder than first thought.

Cordingley revealed that coach Brad Thorn was planning to move Petaia to fullback after using him primarily on the wing with Jock Campbell in the Reds No.15 jersey.

“Thorny’s always had his eye on this for quite a while. Jordy played a lot of his school rugby at No.15. Thorny’s seen that as a potential opportunity for Jordy in 2022,” he said.

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