The International Rugby Board has announced a shortlist of four
nominees for the IRB Women's Personality of the Year Award
2010, the third IRB Award in association with Emirates Airline to
be presented this year.
The IRB Women's Personality of the Year Award will be
announced following the Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 Final
between England and New Zealand on Sunday, September 5 at the
Twickenham Stoop.
The two finalists are represented in the shortlist with
England's Maggie Alphonsi, a previous winner in 2006, joined by
team-mate Danielle Waterman, wing Carla Hohepa from New Zealand as
well as Australia's Nicole Beck.
The shortlist represents the voting of media, commentators
and match officials at the tournament.
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Maggie Alphonsi (England)
The 26-year-old flanker has been one of the stand-out players
of the tournament, showing a wide versatility from her work at the
breakdown and turning over ball, to explosive attacking runs. Often
described by commentators as 'Maggie the Machine', Alphonsi
has been a powerhouse for the hosts, igniting the crowd and
team-mates alike.
Nicole Beck (Australia)
The youngest of the nominees, the wing has epitomised the
passion and determination of the Australia squad, and her calmness
and accuracy with the boot was a significant contribution to the
Wallaroos reaching a first semi final. A Rugby World Cup Sevens
winner, Beck is a dangerous runner who showed true commitment with
an outstanding covering tackle in the semi final against England.
Carla Hohepa (New Zealand)
The 25-year-old is on course to match her position as the
leading try scorer at RWC Sevens 2009 with six tries to date
including a brace in the semi final win over France. Hohepa
combines speed, agility and creativity with a try-scoring instinct,
making her a threat from anywhere on the pitch. The Black Ferns
wing is also one of the first female IRB Keep Rugby Clean
Ambassadors, adding her support to the campaign for a drug-free
sport.
Danielle Waterman (England)
After nine months out with a knee ligament injury, Waterman
has made a strong recovery to grace the World Cup stage, scoring
two scintillating tries against the USA and also showing her
defensive qualities with a try-saving tackle in the semi final
against Australia. Always a threat going forward, the 25-year-old
was one of the stand out players from the pool stages.
Video - Women's Personality of the Year nominees
