The final five nominees for the 2026 Investec Player of the Year award have been confirmed, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu missing out.
The Stormers flyhalf was among the 10-man shortlist named after the pool stage of the tournament.
Selected by a panel of rugby legends, broadcasters and fan votes, the five-man shortlist recognises players who have delivered exceptional performances in the pool stage and knockout stage.
Now, the decision is in the hands of the fans. Supporters are invited to cast their vote and help crown the 2026 Investec Player of the Year, with voting now live until Saturday, 23 May at 4:30pm (SA time).
The winner will be announced following the Champions Cup final at Bilbao’s iconic San Mamés Stadium.
2026 Investec Player of the Year Nominees
Bordeaux Bègles and Bath – who will go head-to-head in their semi-final clash – each contribute two players to the shortlist.
For Bordeaux Bègles, electrifying wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey earns his place as the competition’s leading try-scorer, crossing the line seven times (tied with Toulon’s Gaël Drean and Bordeaux’s Salesi Rayasi). His pace, instinct and finishing ability have made him one of the most feared attacking threats in Europe.
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Joining him is flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert, whose creative control and tactical kicking have consistently elevated Bordeaux’s attacking game. A proven game-changer, Jalibert’s ability to manipulate defences and unlock space has been central to his side’s success, reinforcing his status as one of the most in-form playmakers in the game.
Bath are represented by Finn Russell, who has once again underlined his world-class status. The Scotland international leads the competition’s points tally with 75, combining precision, vision and control to dictate games at the highest level.
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Also nominated is dynamic Bath forward Alfie Barbeary, whose explosive ball-carrying has lit up the tournament. A three-time Investec Player of the Match winner this season, Barbeary has been a constant impact player, consistently shifting momentum with his physical presence and intensity.
Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris, whose leadership and consistency have anchored an unbeaten campaign to date, has also made the shortlist. The influential No 8 – who missed the quarter-final but played every minute of the pool stage and round of 16 – continually impresses with his tactical intelligence, reliability, and adaptability at the heart of Leinster’s forward pack.
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The Investec Player of the Year winner will be awarded the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy, honouring excellence at the pinnacle of international club rugby.
Fans who vote will also be entered into an exclusive prize draw, with the chance to win a signed jersey from a Champions Cup finalist.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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