Nowell shortlisted for RPA award

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs and England star Jack Nowell says he is "honoured" to have been included on the shortlist for the LV= Young Player of the Year Award 2014, which will be presented at the Rugby Players' Association Computacenter Players’ Awards 2014, which will be held at Battersea Evolution on Wednesday night.

In what has been an outstanding year for the 21-year-old Cornishman, he finds himself battling for the award alongside England colleagues George Ford (Bath), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps) and Billy Vunipola (Saracens), as well as Bath's highly-rated back Anthony Watson and Leicester Tigers fly-half Owen Williams.

The shortlist has been collated after votes were cast by all Aviva Premiership players based on performances in domestic rugby this season - and to qualify for the LV= Young Player of the Year Award players must have been 23 or under as of 1st September 2013.

Commenting on his inclusion, Nowell - who is currently recovering from knee surgery - said: "For me obviously it’s a massive honour to be nominated for this award and to be on a shortlist with so many talented players makes it that much more special.

"I know I haven’t really played much this year, but it’s great to know despite this all the boys have still put my name down and voted for me. I would like to thank all my team-mates, coaches and support staff for all of their support along the way.”

The nominees for the LV= Young Player of the Year Award 2014 are:

George Ford – Bath Rugby

Joe Launchbury – London Wasps

Jack Nowell – Exeter Chiefs

Billy Vunipola – Saracens

Anthony Watson – Bath Rugby

Owen Williams – Leicester Tigers