England's Marlie Packer and Abby Dow nominated for World Rugby women's player of the year

England skipper Marlie Packer and wing Abby Dow are among the four nominees for the World Rugby's women's player of the year award.

Packer has 98 Test caps to her name and has been influential along with Dow in helping England securing a fifth consecutive Six Nations title. The 34-year-old has scored 11 tries for England this year while Dow also contributed with six.

New Zealand fly half Ruahei Demant and France centre Gabrielle Vernier complete the nomination list with the winner set to be announced at the conclusion of England's final WXV1 fixture against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont credited the women's game for breaking new grounds this year and wished the nominees good luck.

"The past year has seen some momentous steps forward for the women's game with more full-time contracts, record-breaking crowds, the announcement of the first-ever dedicated international release window and, of course, the inaugural WXV competition which has seen the very best women's teams competing across three levels and in three regions around the globe.

"A huge congratulations and thank you to all those nominated today who are not only inspiring fans and players on the field with their tenacious performances and infectious spirit but outside of the game with the incredible work they carry out in their communities."