The IRB have announced their five-man short-list for the Player of the Year award.

Kieran Read and Ben Smith are the two New Zealand players among the nominees.

South African lock Eben Etzebeth and Italy's inspiration captain Sergio Parisse are also in the running.

Wales and Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny completes the candidates.

Dan Carter won the 2012 award, the second time he has achieved that feat.

Ireland's only winner is Off The Ball contributor Keith Wood who won in 2001, while Brian O'Driscoll has been nominated three times. Only two players have been nominated more times than the Leinster player (Dan Carter and New Zealand team-mate Richie McCaw who has won the award a record three times).

Kieran Read ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy