Premiership Rugby have confirmed their shortlist for the Anglo-Welsh Cup Breakthrough Player Award, with Saints Harry Mallinder amongst the nominees.
The Breakthrough Player Award is open to the best Under-23 players in the Anglo-Welsh Cup with shortlisted players being named after each round. A public vote will decide the winner ahead of the Anglo-Welsh Cup Final, which is on Sunday, March 19th at the Twickenham Stoop.
This year the competition is being supported by Citizen Watch UK who will provide the overall winner with the latest Citizen Skyhawk A-T watch and Gilbert who will supply £1,000 worth of kit to a grassroots club of the winner's choice.
Using OPTA match statistics, a forward and back from each round, along with two players with outstanding overall competition statistics will form a shortlist.
Mallinder was added to the shortlist after Saints' impressive 50-10 win over Scarlets in the final round of pool games and despite the team's run the competition ending there, Saints' young centre's performance was recognised by the team at OPTA.
Launched in 2012, the Breakthrough Player Award celebrates and recognises those young players who have stood out in the tournament with previous winners Jack Nowell, Jonny May, Tom Collins and Ollie Devoto.
To vote for Mallinder, visit www.new-heroes.com
ANGLO-WELSH CUP BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER SHORTLIST
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Josh Adams (Worcester Warriors)
Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
Tom Howe (Wasps)
James Chisholm (Harlequins)
Stu Townsend (Exeter Chiefs)
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)
Cameron Orr (Gloucester Rugby)
Jack Willis (Wasps)
Tom Whiteley (Saracens)
