Wales captain Ryan Jones and his international colleague Shane Williams feature on a five-strong list, alongside Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair.

The other two contenders are New Zealand's imperious fly-half Dan Carter, who will begin a lucrative six-month contract with French club Perpignan in December, and Italy skipper Sergio Parisse.

The winner of what is viewed as rugby union's most prestigious individual award will be announced in London on November 23.

Jones led Wales to their second RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam in four years last season, and is favourite for Lions captaincy duties in South Africa next summer.

His Ospreys team-mate Williams, meanwhile, broke Gareth Thomas' Wales try-scoring record last term, and currently has 43 touchdowns from 58 Test appearances.

The diminutive wing is regarded as one of world rugby's most dangerous attackers, and would be seen in many quarters as favourite for the IRB award.

Blair skippered Scotland to Calcutta Cup glory against England at Murrayfield last March, while Carter took the IRB's top accolade in 2005.

Carter guided New Zealand to this year's Tri-Nations title, underlining his status as the world's leading fly-half, and Parisse has led Italy under the coaching regime of Nick Mallett, establishing himself among the most consistent number eights in international rugby.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "The IRB player of the year award is the ultimate accolade for a player. It takes into account performances in all the major internationals played during the year, including the RBS 6 Nations, Tri Nations and the June-July Tests."