WALES lock Alun Wyn Jones has been shortlisted for World Rugby player of the year award.

The Ospreys forward is joined on the six-strong list of nominees by Australia back row forwards David Pocock and Michael Hooper, New Zealand duo Dan Carter and Julian Savea and Scotland scrum-half Greig Laidlaw.

Jones, 30, has had an excellent season in the Welsh boiler house in the Six Nations and at the World Cup and is aiming to follow in the footsteps of former regional and international teammate Shane Williams, who won the honour in 2008.

Pocock is favourite to win the award but Australian legend John Eales, who was chairman of the panel that decided the nominees, says it’s a strong list.

The former lock said: "This has been a very special year for rugby with some outstanding individual and team performances.

“Through voting and consultation the panel has concluded six worthy finalists for the player of the year award.

“Being a World Cup year, particular weighting has been given to World Cup performances, where there are four candidates who will contest the final on Saturday.”