HE MAY not be your conventional winger but Jack Nowell’s sheer power makes him one to watch in the battle for World Cup places - according to Lewis Moody, writes Pippa Field.

Coming into Stuart Lancaster’ side as a replacement for Jonny May in this year’s Six Nations, Newlyn’s Nowell made sure to leave his mark for England, crossing the whitewash three times including a double against France in the final round.

A combination of shoulder and knee injuries disrupted his summer and pre-season plans, but Nowell has certainly got back up to speed with club side Exeter Chiefs this season, making 16 appearances and scoring six tries.

His performances have seen him shortlisted for the Land Rover Discovery of the Season award, although with this being his third season of Premiership rugby, World Cup winner Moody admits it is easy to forget the winger is still only 22-years-old.

Moody, who captained England in the 2011 World Cup, said: “I remember talking about Jack what seems to be an age ago. He appears like he has been around a while yet he is still so young.

“He has quickly risen through the ranks at Exeter and is now into the England set up.

“He’s had a few injuries along the way this season but it’s still been a wonderful year for him.

“Exeter have been fantastic this year and they’ve maintained their form and Jack’s played a big role in that. He’s taken his chances when he’s had them."

The former flanker, who is an ambassador for awards sponsor, went onto say Nowell reminded him of an old colleague of his from the glorious national side of 2003.

“He’s got great explosive power.," Moody said.

"He’s not a natural out and out winger, he’s got more of a squat type technical. He reminds me a bit of Jason Robinson to be honest.

“It’s going to be a tough battle for places for England at the World Cup. You’ve got Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson who have both done very well too but Jack is going to be in there with a shout.”

The Land Rover Discovery of The Season award is designed to recognise the most impressive young players in the Aviva Premiership Rugby each season and reward them for their outstanding contribution to the competition.

Whoever is presented with the award tonight will follow in the footsteps of some special talents, including Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Joe Launchbury and Billy Vunipola.

Nowell faces stiff competition with the list of nominees including Harlequins’ Jack Clifford, Saracens’ Maro Itoje, Wasps’ Elliot Daly and Exeter Chiefs team-mate Henry Slade.