World Rugby has today confirmed the appointment of Dimitri Yachvili and Marcelo Bosch as new members of the voting panel for the World Rugby Awards men’s 15s categories, further strengthening the peer-led jury that recognises excellence at the highest level of the international game.

Both former internationals bring outstanding playing pedigrees and deep understanding of elite rugby, reinforcing the credibility and expertise of one of the sport’s most respected awards panels.

A pivotal figure in French rugby’s modern era, Yachvili represented France from 2002-12, earning 61 international caps and scoring 373 test points, placing him among Les Bleus’ leading all-time test points scorers.  A composed tactical organiser and reliable goal-kicker, he helped take France to the Rugby World Cup 2011 final and was part of Les Bleus’ Men’s Six Nations Grand Slams in 2004 and 2010. At club level, he spent more than a decade with Biarritz in France (2002-14), making 289 appearances and scoring 3,053 points

A respected leader in the Pumas’ backline, Bosch scored 60 points in 39 tests for Argentina from 2007-15, playing and at both Rugby World Cup 2011 and 2015.  A commanding presence in midfield, Bosch combined defensive authority with tactical awareness and leadership, qualities that later defined his successful club career in Europe, including 119 appearances for Biarritz (2006-13), where he played alongside Yachvili and won the European Challenge Cup in 2012, and 133 appearances for Saracens in England (2013-19) where he won four Premiership titles (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019) and three Champions Cup (2016, 2017, 2019).

Since retiring from playing, both Yachvili and Bosch have remained closely connected to the international game through their roles as pundits and commentators in their respective countries, providing regular test rugby analysis and maintaining close proximity to players, coaches and evolving trends across the global calendar. This ongoing engagement further strengthens their contribution to a panel tasked with assessing performances across a full international season.

Strengthening an already distinguished Awards panel

Their appointment reinforces the standing of the World Rugby Awards as the sport’s most prestigious peer‑recognised honours, voted on by panels made up of former players, coaches and legends of the game whose experience spans generations, playing styles and rugby cultures.

World Rugby Awards men’s panel members: Marcelo Bosch (Argentina), Jacques Burger (Namibia), Fiona Coghlan (Ireland), Victor Matfield (South Africa), Drew Mitchell (Australia), Ugo Monye (England), Sergio Parisse (Italy), Kieran Read (New Zealand), Blaine Scully (USA), Dimitri Yachvili (France).

As panel members, Yachvili and Bosch will contribute to the selection of nominees and voting process for three men’s categories:

  • World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year
  • World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year
  • World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team of the Year

In line with the integrity principles that underpin the World Rugby Awards voting process, Sergio Parisse (Italy) will step down from the men’s panel following his appointment to the coaching staff of Italy’s national men’s team. Panel members are required to remain independent from national team coaching roles in order to avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and safeguard the credibility of the peer‑led selection process.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “We are delighted to welcome Dimitri and Marcelo to the World Rugby Awards men’s 15s panel. Both enjoyed outstanding international careers and bring deep knowledge of modern rugby and what it takes to perform at the highest level. Their role is crucial in helping us celebrate the outstanding personalities in our game, both on and off the pitch, and ensuring the World Rugby Awards continue to represent the highest accolades in international rugby.”

Since their launch in 2001, the World Rugby Awards have honoured the game’s most outstanding players, individuals and moments, recognising excellence through the informed judgement of expert panels.

The first awards to be presented in 2026 will be the sevens categories, awarded at the conclusion of the HSBC SVNS in Bordeaux on 7 June. The women’s categories will be presented at the WXV Global Series in October, celebrating the leading international performers in the women’s game.

The men’s World Rugby Awards 2026 will then be presented at the conclusion of the November international window, bringing to a close a landmark year that also includes the inaugural editions of the World Rugby Nations Cup and Nations Championship.

In line with established World Rugby Awards criteria, voting will be based exclusively on performances in international matches played during the 2026 calendar year and 2025-26 SVNS season, ensuring consistency, fairness and a clear focus on test level excellence.