Slade up for RPA accolade

Exeter Chiefs star Henry Slade is among the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA) nominees for the LV= Young Player of the Year Award 2015 as voted for by Aviva Premiership players based on performances in domestic rugby this season.

To qualify for the LV= Young Player of the Year Award players must have been 23 or under as of 1st September 2014.
The winner will be announced in front of a host of stars from the world of rugby at The RPA Players’ Awards 2015, to be held at Battersea Evolution, London on Wednesday 13th May.

The first of the nominees is Bath and England fly-half, George Ford. The 22-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding season so far and has played an integral part in Bath’s run to the Aviva Premiership play-off places and has already amassed 163 points for the season so far.

The second player nominated is Saracens rising star Maro Itoje. Having captained Sarries to victory in the LV= Cup and England Under-20’s to an IRB Junior World Championship the powerful second row has made a big impression during his breakthrough season.

Bath Rugby centre Jonathan Joseph is this year’s third nominee. With 7 tries in 14 matches Joseph has become an important part of the West-Country clubs potent attack. The 23-year-olds fine form was rewarded with a recall to the England squad for the 2015 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

The penultimate nominee is fly-half Slade. Predominantly used in the number ten role Slade has developed into one of the most promising talents in English rugby. Currently 7th in the top ten point’s scorers for the season Slade has been central to the Chiefs rise up the Aviva Premiership table.

Anthony Watson is this year’s final nominee. The 21-year-old full-back come winger forms part of one of the most formidable back lines in the Aviva Premiership. His dazzling feet have caused problems for defences at both domestic and international level.

Slade said of his nomination: “We’ve had a brilliant season so far at Exeter, the club’s taken a tremendous step forward in terms of performing consistently each week and I feel very fortunate to be nominated for this award on their behalf. On top of that, to be recognised by your peers in such a competitive environment, really gives me a massive boost.”

The nominations in full are:

LV= YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

George Ford – Bath Rugby

Maro Itoje - Saracens

Jonathan Joseph – Bath Rugby

Henry Slade – Exeter Chiefs

Anthony Watson – Bath Rugby