Leicester Tigers back-rower Tommy Reffell has been shortlisted for the Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player Award following his performance away to Bath in Round 3 of the competition.

The 20-year-old Tigers Academy graduate has featured in all three matches so far this season, and starred in the No7 shirt in his side’s trip to The Rec.

Reffell put in an impressive shift in defence, making 18 tackles – a tally only five players could better across the weekend – and winning a round-high three turnovers for his side.

The Wales U20s international was equally impressive on the other side of the ball, and also gained 24 metres from two carries while capping his display off with a try.

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

Using OPTA match statistics, a forward and back from each round, along with two players with outstanding overall competition statistics, will form a ten-man shortlist, which will be submitted to a fan vote.

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

Refell is added to the shortlist alongside Saracens’ Manu Vunipola, who join Aaron Hinkley of Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins’ Gabriel Ibitoye, Sean Reffell of Saracens and Worcester Warriors’ Ollie Lawrence in being nominated for this season’s award.