Dan Carter is the overwhelming favourite to claim the player of the year award at next week’s Steinlager Rugby Awards after nominations were announced on Monday.
Carter could claim a third successive title, having been nominated alongside All Blacks team-mates Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina.
Carter is also a nominee for Super 14 Player of the Year, against Crusaders team mate Leon MacDonald and Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton.
NZRU chief executive Chris Moller said: "To receive a Steinlager Rugby Award is a huge honour for players and other people involved in our national game and on behalf of New Zealand rugby I would like to congratulate all the nominees.
"The Steinlager Awards also gives us the opportunity to look back at what has been another highly successful year for New Zealand rugby."
