Bath duo up for Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season award

Bath duo George Ford and Jonathan Joseph have been named on the shortlist for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Season award.

Wasps pair Elliot Daly and Nathan Hughes have also been nominated, while Billy Vunipola of Saracens completes the quintet of candidates.

Martin Corry, Chris Robshaw, Chris Ashton and Mike Brown are among the former winners of the accolade.

"As in all other seasons, the task of identifying any single individual performer in the Aviva Premiership is a tough one," said Premiership Rugby director Phil Winstanley. "This year is no different and the panel has identified some outstanding players. What is so striking this year is the relatively young age of these players.

"There has been significant investment of time and resource by Premiership Rugby and the RFU, so it isn't surprising to see so many young, talented English players grace this list alongside Fijian Nathan Hughes."

The winner of the award is due to be announced on May 20.