Leicester Tigers back-rower Tommy Reffell has made the shortlist for the Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player Award, as voting opens to supporters.
The 20-year-old Tigers Academy graduate earned his place on the 10-man list for his performance in Tigers’ win away to Bath in Round 3 of the competition.
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.
Supporters have until 11.59pm this Thursday, February 5 to cast their vote for Breakthrough Player on the Premiership Rugby website.
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 Promaster Tough watch courtesy of Premiership Rugby partner Citizen.
The full list of players nominated for the award includes;
- Aaron Hinkley – Gloucester Rugby
- Gabriel Ibitoye – Harlequins
- Sean Reffell – Saracens
- Ollie Lawrence – Worcester Warriors
- Tommy Reffell – Leicester Tigers
- Manu Vunipola – Saracens
- Will Capon – Bristol Bears
- Fraser Dingwall – Northampton Saints
- Will Evans – Harlequins
- Ben Loader – London Irish
