Bath lock Steve Borthwick, Wasps second row forward Simon Shaw and Gloucester centre Henry Paul will contest top honours at the awards ceremony in London on May 24.

Borthwick was a driving force behind Bath's relentless push for the Premiership summit this term, while Shaw put his disappointment at not being an original England World Cup selection behind him to turn in numerous top-drawer performances.

Paul, meanwhile, enjoyed comfortably his best campaign since switching codes from rugby league, and also regained a place in England's 22 during the RBS 6 Nations championship.

Bath also have a keen interest in the young player category, with current England fly half Olly Barkley nominated alongside his Test team colleague, Sale Sharks forward Chris Jones, and exciting Harlequins wing prospect Ugo Monye.

Two Northampton stars feature on an all-New Zealand overseas player of the season shortlist, with Saints pair Bruce Reihana and Mark Robinson joined by Wasps prop Craig Dowd.

The director of rugby award, meanwhile, will be contested by John Connelly (Bath), Warren Gatland (Wasps) and Wayne Smith (Northampton).