Bath duo up for England's best award

 

The England Player of the Year Award is presented to the outstanding England player from the 2014/15 season as voted for by the England EPS members.

 

With previous winners including Mike Brown and Joe Launchbury the 2015 shortlist is once again comprised of some of the most exciting talent in English rugby.

 

Ford has enjoyed an impressive start to his England career and anchored the side to four wins out of five in the 2015 Six Nations.

 

With 10 caps to his name he has already amassed 109 points as an international and has become an integral part of Stuart Lancaster’s squad.

 

Jonathan Joseph made an explosive return to international rugby at the beginning of this year’s Six Nations with a memorable try against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

 

The Bath centre went on to become a focal point of England’s attack and finished as the tournament’s top try scorer, crossing the whitewash four times in five games.

 

Harlequins’ skipper Joe Marler established himself as one of England’s top front row forwards during the 2014/15 season registering some powerful displays in both the Internationals and Six Nations.

 

The 24-year-old already has 30 caps to his name and is sure to be a fixture in England’s front row for many years to come.

 

Billy Vunipola was in devastating form during the Six Nations and made a number of eye-catching performances and weighed in with two tries against Italy and France respectively. 

 

The Saracens’ No.8 finished as England’s top ball carrier making 64 carries during the tournament and was an integral part of what his teammates have described as a ‘world class pack’.

 

Ford said of the nomination: “This season was my first full year as an England player and I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve taken the pitch. 

 

"The squad around me are all incredible athletes and really encourage me to perform at my very best every time we head into a game together. 

 

"Without their support, this nomination wouldn’t exist and for that I’m very thankful.”

 

Meanwhile, his club teammate Joseph said: “Since making my England debut in 2012, there’s been no greater honour than to represent my country and represent all the people who have supported me throughout my career. 

 

"This nomination gives me huge encouragement and determination to continue to play well for England and help the team push for glory at the World Cup.”

 

Harlequins captain Marler also laid praise on his England teammates: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all the lads for the nomination, it’s made me very proud and honoured to be recognised by my England teammates in this way.”

 

Finally, Vunipola said: “To be nominated by the guys you wear the red rose with, remains a truly fantastic and humbling achievement.

 

"I feel so proud that my name is even listed with the other nominees for this award, they’re all amazing players in their own right and all deserve to win.”

 

George Ford – Bath 

Jonathan Joseph – Bath 

Joe Marler – Harlequins

Billy Vunipola – Saracens