The winger from Union Bordeaux-Bègles delivers another outstanding performance: Louis Bielle-Biarrey is one of the four finalists for the World Rugby Player of the Year award. At just 21 years old, the young Bordeaux prodigy is the only French player nominated alongside three heavyweights from South Africa.
World Rugby unveiled the list of contenders for the prestigious trophy on Tuesday, confirming an exceptional season for “LBB,” who has already been crowned best player of the Six Nations Tournament and best international French player of the year.
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A Frenchman Facing Three Springboks
The jury for the World Rugby Awards - made up of former legends like Sergio Parisse, Kieran Read, and Ugo Monye - has selected four players: Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, and Pieter-Steph du Toit, the latter being the reigning champion. The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 22.
This nomination celebrates a brilliant year for the UBB winger. Shining brightly with Les Bleus, he scored 8 tries during the last Six Nations Tournament, matching a century-old record. His second try against Ireland was even voted as the “try of the tournament” by fans. Additionally, with Bordeaux-Bègles, he won the European Cup and reached the final of the Top 14.
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A 2025 Year Celebrating Emerging Talents
In addition to the Player of the Year title, World Rugby has also announced the nominees for the Breakthrough Player of the Year: Henry Pollock (England), Fabian Holland (New Zealand), Ethan Hooker (South Africa), and Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i (Australia). Young Pollock seems to be the favorite, although all four candidates have had a remarkable season.
In the "Try of the Year" category, four attempts have been selected, including one from New Zealander Tupou Vaa’i against the French this summer. The public can vote until November 20th.
Towards a Historic Achievement?
If victorious, Louis Bielle-Biarrey would follow in the footsteps of Fabien Galthié (2002), Thierry Dusautoir (2011), and Antoine Dupont (2021), the only French players crowned Player of the Year so far.
The prize was created in 2001. The Bordeaux player would then face the history of world rugby—especially that of Pieter-Steph du Toit, who could join Richie McCaw and Dan Carter in the ranks of triple winners.View this post on Instagram
The answer will come on Saturday during a much-anticipated ceremony for all of French rugby.