Former All Black Victor Vito has made an immediate impression in French club rugby, being nominated as the Top-14 competition's player of the year.

No.8 Vito is among three players shortlisted for the honour after helping his unfashionable club, La Rochelle, finish top of the standings this year.

They lost a tight semi-final to Toulon.

He is nominated alongside Lyon No.8 Carl Fearns and Clermont centre Remi Lamerat, with the winner unveiled on September 18.

Vito, 30, played the last of his 33 Tests when he came off the bench to help New Zealand win the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.