Ford nominated for England award

Bath pair George Ford and Jonathan Joseph, Harlequins skipper Joe Marler and Saracens number eight Billy Vunipola have been shortlisted for the England player of the year award, voted for by the Rugby Players' Association.

Fly-half Ford has scored 109 points in 10 England appearances while his club colleague Joseph was this season's Six Nations' top try scorer with four in five games.

Marler established himself as one of England's top front-row forwards during the 2014-15 season and has already won 30 caps at the age of 24.

Vunipola finished as England's top ball carrier in the Six Nations with 64 carries and scored tries against Italy and France.

Harlequins full-back Mike Brown won the award in 2014 and this year's winner will be announced on May 13.