BATH trio George Ford, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson have all been nominated for the LV= Young Player of the Year Award at the 2015 RPA Players' Awards 2015.

The threesome join Saracens forward Maro Itoje and Exeter Chief's Henry Slade as nominees, reflecting Bath's excellent season.

Ford won the award last season and said: "Winning this award last year gave me an incredible amount of confidence heading into the 2014/15 season and to be nominated again is a fantastic feeling.

"I've been lucky this season to have played in a very determined Bath squad, where we've played a really solid style of rugby and one which suits my game perfectly."

Joseph added: "I'm very flattered to be nominated for the Young Player of the Year Award, especially given how many talented young players are in the Aviva Premiership.

"As always I would like to thank all the people who support me and push me to achieve my best, they include my family, close friends, teammates and coaches."

Watson added: "Obviously I'm absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award by my peers. However a lot of credit has to go my coaches and team-mates for allowing me to perform this year and express my true ability.

"The coaches have given me a lot of time throughout the season and their advice has given me so much confidence to perform at my absolute best."

The winner will be announced at the awards held on Wednesday, May 13.

Meanwhile Bath, Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs will begin preparations for the 2015/16 Aviva Premiership season with a new tournament called the ‘West Country Challenge Cup’.

The three local rivals will lock horns in a series of competitive games, home and away, during September and October to kick-off the 2015/16 season.

Fixtures will be played at Bath's Recreation Ground, Exeter's Sandy Park Stadium and the Memorial Stadium in Bristol as Gloucester's regular home at Kingsholm will still be in use for World Cup pool matches.

Bath head coach Mike Ford said: “Games against Exeter and Gloucester are always a highlight for us and our supporters, so we’re really looking forward to being involved.

"The Premiership is such a competitive league that we want to make sure we have the best preparation, and playing against two of our toughest competitors in the West Country Challenge Cup will make sure we are in the best place possible come the start of the Premiership campaign.”

Full ticket details for the tournament will be announced in due course.

The West Country Challenge Cup dates

September 5 – Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester Rugby

September 12 – Gloucester Rugby v Bath Rugby

September 19 – Exeter Chiefs  v Bath Rugby

September 26 – Bath Rugby v Gloucester Rugby

October 3 – Gloucester Rugby v Exeter Chiefs

October 10 – Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs