Premiership semifinalists dominate top nominations

The list contains two Saracens’ players, Maro Itoje and Alex Goode, and they are joined by two from Exeter Chiefs, Gareth Steenson and Don Armand, and two from Wasps, Charles Piutau and George Smith.

“With 616 tries, almost 6,000 points scored this season and an English winner of the Champions Cup it is clear that we have had a stellar campaign,” said Phil Winstanley, the Rugby Director at Premiership Rugby.

“There were more than a dozen stand-out candidates and it is great to see a mixture of our own Academy graduates with a number of overseas stars.

"Just whittling it down to these six was an immense challenge for the panel. 

"All of them have major significant contributions to a fantastic season and have been at the forefront of their clubs drive to the semifinals this weekend and they can be extremely proud of making the shortlist.

“The winner will take his place in an impressive list of Premiership Rugby players who have won this award previously.”

The shortlist for Premiership Rugby Player of the Season:

•   Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs)

•   Alex Goode (Saracens)

•   Maro Itoje (Saracens)

•   Charles Piutau (Wasps)

•   George Smith (Wasps)

•   Gareth Steenson (Exeter Chiefs)

Along with the winner of the Premiership Rugby Player of the Season, the winners of the following awards will also be announced on Wednesday, May 18:

•    Community Player of the Season

•    Director of Rugby of the Season

•    BT Sport Dream Team

•    Golden Boot

•    Forward of the Season

•    Try of the Season

•    Discovery of the Season

•    Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Player of the Series

•    Top Try-Scorer of the Season

•    Women's Premiership Players’ Player of the Year

The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 18 at the sold out Premiership Rugby Awards.