Waldrom in running for RPA prize

Former winner Thomas Waldrom is among a five-strong list of nominees for the RPA Players’ Player of the Year Award 2015, as voted for by Aviva Premiership players based on performances in domestic rugby this season.

No.8 Waldrom, who won the award in 2011, heads up the list of nominees following a superb debut season in the Westcountry.

The marauding No.8 has established himself as a key player at Sandy Park and is currently the Aviva Premiership’s top try scorer with 14 to his name.

He lines up alongside Bath playmaker George Ford who finds himself nominated for both the Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year Awards. He’s enjoyed a fine season in the blue, white and black and continues to lead Bath’s push for silverware.

Ford’s Bath Rugby team-mate Jonathan Joseph also finds himself nominated for both categories in this year's event. The dynamic centre has been in blistering form for both club and country during the 2014/15 season and his talents have been duly recognised by his fellow players.

Northampton Saints’ powerhouse, Samu Manoa, is this year’s third nominee. The American born No.8 has been an ever-present in the Saints line-up this season and his eight tries in 19 matches have helped propel the defending champions to the top of the Aviva Premiership.

Completing the line-up is Newcastle Falcons’ Samoan international Sinoti Sinoti. The flying winger has become a fans favourite at Kingston Park and has been in outstanding form for the North-East club having crossed the whitewash nine times so far this season.

The prestigious award recognises the outstanding talent in English rugby union and the winner will be announced at the RPA Players’ Awards 2015, to be held at Battersea Evolution on Wednesday, 13th May.

Commenting on his nomination, Waldrom said: “I’m extremely surprised and honoured to be nominated for such a prestigious award, and one in which I’m incredibly grateful for the support shown by all my peers. Moving to Exeter this season has been a fantastic journey and I strongly believe the club has the potential to continue to grow and go further than ever before, as we push for our first ever Aviva Premiership title.”

The RPA Players’ Player of the Year Award 2015 nominees are:

George Ford

Jonathan Joseph

Samu Manoa

Sinoti Sinoti

Thomas Waldrom