It’s a disgrace World Rugby overlook props like Ox Nché or Tadhg Furlong for player of year in award’s 23-year history

There are no props on this year's shortlist for men's player of the year. You might remember how well Ox Nché has played for the Springboks and quite justifiably find this to be a bit of an surprise, which is why you should probably sit down ahead of this next bit of information − no prop has ever been nominated for men's player of the year. Ever!

This seems flat-out ridiculous when you consider how many Rugby World Cups or Lions series have hinged on the scrum, not to mention how props have developed over the past decade to become attacking threats with their distribution, and improved fitness to get about in defence. Wilco Louw, for example, was the leading tackler at half-time at Twickenham on Saturday, tied on 11 with England's Jamie George.