Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player Award nominations unveiled

The nominations for the Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player Award have been unveiled with 10 players in contention.

Gloucester Rugby's Aaron Hinckley impressed in the first round where he had gained 80 metres apart from reaching double figures in tackles will be joined by Harlequins' Gabriel Ibitoye, whose 170 metres were the most of any player in the opening round of the Premiership Rugby Cup.

The second round saw 20-year-old Saracens' Sean Reffell making 26 tackles with a success rate of 93% while Worcester Warriors' Ollie Lawrence was one of just three backs in Round Two to make 10+ carries and 10+ tackles. From his 12 carries he beat an impressive five defenders, the second most of any centre at the weekend, and made the third most metres for a player in his position.

Leicester Tigers’ Tommy Reffell was impressive with his defence in the third round and made 18 tackles in the third round and is joined by Manu Vunipola of Saracens, who slotted all four of his kicks from the tee, while he made four clean breaks – a tally only two players could better – and beat the joint fifth most defenders in the round.

Will Capon remains the only nomination from Bristol Bears and was impressive with ball in hand, making two breaks. beating three defenders and gaining 30 metres, the most of any front row forward in all three categories. He also maintained a 100% success rate at the lineout, winning all five of his throws and is joined by fourth round nominations from Northampton Saints' Fraser Dingwall.

Harlequins' Will Evans and Ben Loader from London Irish form the wildcard nominations.