The list, compiled by recently retired internationals from the International Rugby Players’Association, includes 11 of the British and Irish Lions’ successful touring party of Australia – prop Corbisiero and wing North included – while World Champions New Zealand are the most recognised side with 15 entries.
Scrum-half Fotuali’i meanwhile is in one of the hottest contested categories, with All Black Aaron Smith and Wallaby Will Genia his competition for the number 9 jersey in the World XV of the Year.
Each number from 1 to 15 has three players to select from, while the Player of the Year can be selected from the entire 45-man group. To vote, simply head to www.ultimaterugby.com, download the mobile app and follow the voting instructions contained within.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 26th so get voting now!
IRPA PLAYER/WORLD XV OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST
15 Willie LE ROUX (SA), Leigh HALFPENNY (Wales), Israel DAGG (NZ)
14 Israel FOLAU (Aus), Ben SMITH (NZ), Napolioni NALAGA (Fiji)
13 Wesley FOFANA (Fr), Jonathan DAVIES (Wales), Conrad SMITH (NZ)
12 Jamie ROBERTS (Wales), Ma'a NONU (NZ), Jean DEVILLIERS (SA)
11 George NORTH (Wales), Julian SAVEA (NZ), Sitiveni SIVIVATU (NZ)
10 Dan CARTER (NZ), Johnny SEXTON (Ire), Aaron CRUDEN (NZ)
9 Kahn FOTUALI’I (Samoa), Aaron SMITH (NZ), Will GENIA (Aus)
1 Vincent DEBATY (Fr), Alex CORBISEIRO (Eng), Marcos AYERZA (Arg)
2 Bismarck DU PLESSIS (SA), Benjamin KAYSER (Fr), Richard HIBBARD (Wales)
3 Juan FIGALLO (Arg), Adam JONES (Wales), Census JOHNSTON (Samoa)
4 Sam WHITELOCK (NZ), Eben EZTEBETH (SA), Joe Tekori (Samoa)
5 James HORWILL (Aus), Brodie RETALLICK (NZ), Alun Wyn JONES (Wales)
6 Juan Martin FERNANDEZ LOBBE (Arg), Louis PICOMOLES (Fr), Liam MESSAM (NZ)
7 Sean O'BRIEN (Ire), Richie MCCAW (NZ), Francois LOUW (SA)
8 Kieran READ (NZ), Sergio PARISSE (Italy), Toby FALETAU (Wales)
