Nowell nominated for top award

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs back Jack Nowell is among the shortlist for the LV= Young Player of the Year award, which will be handed out at the Rugby Players Association Awards Night later this month in London.

In what has been a sensational breakthrough season for the 20-year-old Cornishman, Nowell will battle it out for the accolade alongside London Wasps quartet, Christian Wade, Joe Launchbury, Billy Vunipola and Elliot Daly, as well as Saracens prop Mako Vunipola.

A product of the club's highly-rated Academy system, Nowell has shown great maturity this year to establish himself as key member within Rob Baxter's first team squad.

With 18 first team appearances and six tries to his name, Truro-born Nowell will be included in Exeter's line-up for their final Aviva Premiership game of the season at home to Gloucester tomorrow (2.30pm).

As well as figuring in the top flight this season, Nowell has also represented the Chiefs in both the Heineken and LV= Cup competitions, as well as playing a key role for England's Under-20s in claiming this year's Six Nations title.

Commenting on his nomination, Nowell said: ": I’m absolutely astounded to hear I’ve been nominated by the players for such an important award. I was fortunate to be voted LV= Breakthrough Player of the Season earlier this season, so to have this supported by the players I’ve played against each week is just an amazing feeling. Thank-you to the Chiefs and everyone who has helped get me here.”

The winner will be announced at The RPA Computacenter Players’ Awards 2013, to be held at Battersea Evolution, London on May 22.