Following an exciting Round Four of Premiership Rugby Cup action, Premiership Rugby are delighted to announce that Bristol Bears’ Will Capon and Fraser Dingwall of Northampton Saints have been shortlisted for this season’s 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 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.
So now let’s take a look as to why Capon and Dingwall have been added to the list, with Tommy Reffell of Leicester Tigers, Aaron Hinkley of Gloucester Rugby, Harlequins’ Gabriel Ibitoye, Sean Reffell and Manu Vunipola of Saracens and Worcester Warriors’ Ollie Lawrence having already found their way onto it following the opening two rounds…
Back – Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints)
Age – 20
Position – Centre
Minutes – 80
Tries – 1
Carries – 7
Metres – 113
Breaks – 4
Defenders Beaten – 3
Try assists – 1
Fraser Dingwall played a huge role in Northampton Saints’ come-from-behind victory against Leicester Tigers in Round Four. The 20-year-old centre’s try gave Saints a lead with less than 15 minutes to play which they wouldn’t relinquish; however it was his all-round game that impressed most. From just seven carries Dingwall gained 113 metres, more than any other player over the weekend, making four breaks and beating three defenders in the process. He also showed he can create tries as well as finishing them off by assisting one for his side – he was one of just two players to both score and assist in Round Four.
Forward – Will Capon (Bristol Bears)
Age - 20
Position – Hooker
Minutes – 33
Tries – 1
Metres – 30
Breaks – 2
Defenders Beaten – 3
Lineout % - 100
Bristol Bears may have gone down to Exeter Chiefs in Round Four, but one of their replacements certainly didn’t let the side down when handed his opportunity. Despite playing just 33 minutes hooker Will Capon 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. Capon – who turned 20 on the day of the game – rounded off his display with a deserved birthday try.
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