IT’s hard to believe that a player with 73 club appearances could be nominated for a Breakthrough award.

But Sam Jones is on the ten-man LV=Cup shortlist alongside team-mate Jonah Holmes.

He made his Wasps debut more than three years ago and although still just 22, he has more experience that many players at the other end of their careers.

Holding down a regular spot at Wasps is difficult for anyone in his position, but former England captain Lewi s Moody believes Jones is on the right path.

He said: “Sam is a promising young talent. You want someone who will be there to do all the hard work and enjoy knowing the fruits of his labours in terms of tackling.

“He gets through a lot of work in terms of breakdowns and the number of carries.

“But for me it’s not just about the stats, it’s about the work on the park, the ball carrying and the running and I think Sam has certainly got a lot of potential.

“He’s been helped with guys like James Haskell and other back rows that have come through at Wasps helping him along.

“He’s certainly a promising young talent coming through and he’s learning his trade well at Wasps.”

Holmes is on loan at Leeds this season, but Moody has also given him the thumbs up.

He said: “When he’s been given the opportunity he’s taken it. You only get one chance to impress your side as a young man, that can be everything, and Jonah certainly looks like he’s done that.

“His stats show you the sort of footwork and the speed he’s able to bring to the fore.”

Voting for LV=Breakthrough Player of the Year closes on Monday with the winner announced before the final on March 16.

For more information on the LV= Breakthrough Player Award and voting, visit http://www.LV.com/rugby