Farrell and Daly, both members of the British and Irish Lions squad for this summer's New Zealand tour, are joined by Daly's Wasps colleagues Christian Wade and Jimmy Gopperth, plus Northampton's France international number eight Louis Picamoles.

The award is voted for by all Aviva Premiership players, with the winner announced at the RPA player awards dinner in London next Wednesday.

The shortlist, announced by the RPA on Wednesday morning, sees Saracens fly-half Farrell nominated for a second successive year, while Wade's recognition comes after a Premiership campaign that has seen him score 16 tries.

"It's very pleasing to be nominated for such a prestigious and well-respected award," Farrell said.

"The Premiership is such a competitive league, so to be nominated as one of the five best players is an incredible feeling and one which I am very proud of."