Second spot for Luke

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has narrowly missed out in his bid to become this season's LV= Cup Breakthrough Player of the Year.

The 20-year-old Cornishman was beaten to the crown by Bath Rugby centre Ollie Devoto with Leicester Tigers forward Harry Thacker coming in third place.

Cowan-Dickie was hoping to follow the lead of club-mate Jack Nowell, who won the accolade last season and has since gone on to establish himself as a starter within Stuart Lancaster's England team.

The LV=Breakthrough Player Award is designed to recognise the next generation of young players competing in the LV= Cup – a competition renowned for developing future international stars.

Devoto was nominated for the LV= Breakthrough Player Award following his outstanding performances throughout all four pool stages of this season’s LV= Cup. Like Nowell, Devoto recorded the most impressive statistics, provided by Opta, of any back in the competition during the pool stages.

Despite his young age (20), Yeovil born Devoto has already made a serious impression for Bath Rugby at The Rec with a series of accomplished performances in the LV= Cup. In attack he has made 67 metres from 23 carries, proving his ability to beat defenders (four) and bring teammates into play (five offloads) in the process. A tackle success rate of 90% shows his strength in defence and paired with three turnovers won, it’s clear to see why the utility back has been named this season’s LV= Breakthrough Player.

Devoto follows in the footsteps of inaugural winner Jonny May and Nowell, both of whom featured in England’s win against Wales at the weekend.

As part of the prize for winning the award, Devoto will choose a grassroots club of his choice to receive a £1,000 donation from LV=, all part of the tournament sponsor's commitment to fostering the development of future rugby stars.