England have received further recognition for a glory-laden 2016 after Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola and Maro Itoje were included on World Rugby’s six-strong shortlist for player of the year.

The winner will be announced in London on Sunday night amid an unprecedented level of Red Rose interest in the prestigious awards in which Itoje could also be crowned breakthrough player of the year, an achievement that would complete a unique double for the 22-year-old lock.

Eddie Jones had already been announced as a contender for coach of the year while England’s Grand Slam triumph and 3-0 series whitewash of Australia put them in contention for team of the year.

Completing the list of nominees for player of the year published on Monday afternoon are the Ireland No8 Jamie Heaslip, who started Saturday’s historic 40-29 victory over New Zealand in Chicago, and the All Blacks Dane Coles and Beauden Barrett.

Itoje, Vunipola and Farrell have played starring roles in England amassing a 10-Test winning run, nine of them falling under the guidance of Jones, and all three were also involved in Saracens’ march to a European and Aviva Premiership double last season. The last and only time an Englishman won the award was Jonny Wilkinson in 2003.

“It is testament to the current strength of the men’s and women’s 15s game that there was so much competition for these prestigious awards,” World Rugby’s chairman, Bill Beaumont, said.

“There is class in abundance with New Zealand’s Barrett and Coles, England’s Vunipola, Itoje and Farrell and Ireland’s Heaslip. There is also a great mix of experienced, proven campaigners and exciting young talent.”