Throughout the Premiership Rugby Cup there has been an array of young talent on show, with some outstanding performances from fresh-faced players eager to make a name for themselves.

And ten such players are now looking for your vote as they bid to take home the Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player Award.

Launched in 2012, the Breakthrough Player Award celebrates and recognises under-23 players who have stood out in the tournament, with previous winners including the likes of Jack Nowell and Jonny May, while last year’s gong was taken home by James Grayson as he led Northampton Saints to the title.

Using OPTA Rugby match statistics, a forward and back from each round, along with two players with outstanding overall competition statistics, have been chosen and now form a ten-man shortlist, which is now open to a fan vote.

The winner will be announced prior to the Premiership Rugby Cup Final, with the lucky recipient also receiving a Promaster Tough watch courtesy of Premiership Rugby partner Citizen.

Voting is open now and closes at midnight on Thursday, and to help you make up your mind you can read why each player has been shortlisted below.

 

CAST YOUR VOTE HERE

 

Ben Loader – London Irish

London Irish’s Ben Loader has had an impressive Premiership Rugby Cup campaign, lighting up games with his ball-carrying ability. The 21-year-old has dotted down for three tries, the joint most for his club with only four players overall scoring more. He has also made ten clean breaks in the competition this season, only Gabriel Ibitoye – who was nominated for the Breakthrough Player in Round 1 this season – made more (14). Loader also gained 206 metres from his 22 carries, an average gain of 9.4 metres per carry, the third best rate of any of the 104 players to carry the ball on 20+ occasions this campaign, behind Bristol’s Matt Protheroe and Bath’s Levi Davis.

 

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