US star makes shortlist for rugby's world player award

United States' Joe Taufete'e runs at the England defence during the Rugby World Cup Pool C game at Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe, Japan.Taufete'e is a surprise inclusion on the six-man shortlist for World Rugby's Player of the Year award for 2019.

England's Tom Curry, left, talks with defence coach John Mitchell during a training session in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019. England will play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday Nov. 2. in Yokohama.

South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe, center, practises with teammates during a training session in Urayasu, outside Tokyo, Japan, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019. The Springboks will play England in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday Nov. 2. in Yokohama.

Wales' Alun Wyn Jones leaves the field after losing the Rugby World Cup semifinal at International Yokohama Stadium between Wales and South Africa in Yokohama, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019.

New Zealand's Ardie Savea, right, places his head on teammate Sevu Reece's shoulder after their loss to England in their Rugby World Cup semifinal at International Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama, Japan, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.

South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit, right, tackles Wales' Ross Moriarty during the Rugby World Cup semifinal at International Yokohama Stadium between Wales and South Africa in Yokohama, Japan, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019.

November 01, 2019

Three players who will take the field for the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, England flanker Tom Curry and South Africans Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit, are also up for the award, as are Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones and New Zealand flanker Ardie Savea.

The winner will be announced in Tokyo on Sunday.

More AP Rugby World Cup: https://www.apnews.com/RugbyWorldCup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Subjects
- Sports,
- Rugby union,
- Rugby,
- International rugby union
People
- Cheslin Kolbe
Locations
- Japan,
- East Asia,
- Asia,
- United States