KEY POINTS:
Australian coach Robbie Deans is among nominees for the New Zealand rugby coach of the year award.
Deans took control of the Wallabies this year after guiding the Christchurch-based Crusaders to the Super 14 title.
He left for the overseas posting after being passed over for the All Blacks job, retained by Graham Henry despite New Zealand's quarterfinal exit at the 2007 World Cup.
Henry is also nominated for the award after guiding the All Blacks to the Tri-Nations title over Australia and South Africa this year.
The two other nominees are Air NZ Cup-winning coach Rob Penney, of Canterbury, and Wanganui's Meads Cup-winning coach Guy Lennox.
The judges for the are former All Blacks captain and former New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) president John Graham, NZRU board member and former New Zealand Maori captain Paul Quinn, rugby commentator Grant Nisbett and NZRU general manager professional Rugby Neil Sorensen.
Awards winners will be named at a function in Auckland on December 4.
Award nominees
Women's player of the year: Oliva Coady (Canterbury), Victoria Grant (nee Blackledge) (Auckland), Victoria Heighway (Auckland).
Volunteer: Rob Burton (Counties-Manukau), Ken Swain (Horowhenua-Kapiti), Anna Waaka (Tasman).
Super 14 player: Richie McCaw (Crusaders), Andrew Hore (Hurricanes), Paul Williams (Highlanders).
Team: All Blacks, Crusaders, Canterbury, Wanganui.
Heartland Championship player: Cameron Crowley (Wanganui), Aarin Dunster (King Country), Eric Smith (South Canterbury).
Air NZ Cup player: Jamie Mackintosh (Southland), Hosea Gear (Wellington), Kieran Read (Canterbury).
Coach: Graham Henry (All Blacks), Robbie Deans (Crusaders), Rob Penney (Canterbury), Guy Lennox (Wanganui).
- NZPA
