Young colts dominate Premiership
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Five young players have been shortlisted for the Premiership player of the season award.
Three current England players, Jonathan Joseph, Billy Vunipola and George Ford are amongst the five-man shortlist, joined by two from Wasps, Nathan Hughes and Elliot Daly who look certain to wear the Red Rose in the coming seasons.
Remarkably Jonathan Joseph, who has his 24th birthday this month, is the oldest of the quintet.
"As in all other seasons, the task of identifying any single individual performer in the Premiership is a tough one," said Phil Winstanley, the Director at Premiership Rugby.
"This year is no different and the panel has identified some outstanding players.
"What is so striking this year is the relatively young age of these players.
"There has been significant investment of time and resource by the Premiership and the Rugby Football Union, so it isn't surprising to see so many young, talented English players grace this list alongside Fijian Nathan Hughes," added Winstanley.
The nominees:
Elliot Daly – Wasps
George Ford – Bath
Nathan Hughes – Wasps
Jonathan Joseph – Bath
Billy Vunipola – Saracens
Past winners:
2013-14: Mike Brown (Harlequins)
2012-13: Tom Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
2011-12: Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
2010-11: Tom Wood (Northampton Saints)
2009-10: Chris Ashton (Northampton Saints)
2008-09: Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
2007-08: James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby)
2006-07: Martin Castrogiovanni (Leicester Tigers)
2005-06: Mike Catt (London Irish)
2004-05: Martin Corry (Leicester Tigers)
The winners will be announced on Thursday, May 20.
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