Rising Scots star Hutchinson shortlisted for young player award

Talented Scottish centre Rory Hutchinson has been nominated for the Rugby Players’ Association young player of the year award after excelling for Northampton Saints on the Gallagher Premiership stage this season.

The 23-year-old, capped by Scotland at under-18 and under-20 level and on Gregor Townsend’s radar for a place in the senior squad, features on a shortlist for the Sanlam Young Player of the Year Award, along with England internationals Joe Cokanasiga and Tom Curry, Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley and Harlequins No 8 Alex Dombrandt.

The award recognises the outstanding young player of the domestic season, as voted for by the players. Nominees must be 23 years or younger at the start of the season. Hutchinson said: “This is a huge honour to be nominated for this award, especially with the wealth of young talent we currently have in the Premiership. It’s a special feeling to have the support of my peers and it will definitely inspire me to continue improving.”

Danny Cipriani is among the nominations for the RPA players’ player of the year. The Gloucester stand-off has been out of favour with England this season, but he has delivered a number of outstanding performances to drive his club’s Premiership play-off push.

The RPA announced a shortlist of five, with Cipriani being joined by Exeter and England centre Henry Slade, Slade’s fellow Exeter back Santiago Cordero, Sale Sharks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and Northampton No 9 Cobus Reinach.

The winners will be announced at the RPA’S awards night on 8 May.