England, Eddie Jones shortlisted for World Rugby awards

Following a stupendous success in 2016, England and their head coach Eddie Jones have been shortlisted for the World Rugby awards.

Jones took over from Stuart Lancaster following England's 2015 World Cup debacle where they became the first host nation to not make it to the knock-out stages. Since then, England have been on a nine-match unbeaten streak after winning the Grand Slam for the first time in 13 years while also registering their maiden series whitewash in Australia.

Jones will compete with 2015 World Cup winning All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and former England sevens coach Ben Ryan, who led Fiji to their maiden Olympic gold medal in Rio earlier this year.

England and Saracens lock Maro Itoje is among the three candidates shortlisted for the Breakthrough Player of the Year along with New Zealand's Anton Lienert-Brown and Ardie Savea.

Meanwhile, GB Sevens' Emily Scarratt will compete against Australia's Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Caslick and New Zealand's Portia Woodman for Women's Sevens Player of the Year award.

"The World Rugby awards celebrate excellence in rugby, honouring the world's greatest players, coaches and teams," World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said.

"Each person on the shortlist on the various shortlists thoroughly deserves their nomination."

The nomination for Player of the Year in both the Men's and Women's category will be announced on 7th November.