And the Premiership Player of the Month Award goes to...

Wasps hooker Alfie Barbeary has been named the Premiership’s Player of the Month award.

Barbeary is well-deserving of the accolade with a string of brilliant performances which has rendered him a significant cog in the powerful Wasps pack.

At just 20 years old, the promise he is currently showing is astonishing. He finished the month having gained more metres (295) than any other participant in the league.

Of the youngster, former England and Lions winger Ugo Monye said:

"The games in which Alfie’s played he’s always been outstanding whether it’s been assisting tries or scoring tries himself or just running with real dynamism and purpose.

"He’s such a combative rugby player both sides of the ball. On his debut, he scored a hat-trick and his development has just accelerated even further since."

Barbeary has only played nine matches for Wasps in Gallagher Premiership Rugby but has spent time in the England camp, as he was outstanding in age-group rugby.

"He’s been immense. He’s catching the eyes of England head coach Eddie Jones who had him in camp during the Autumn Nations Cup, and this off of the back of just a handful of games. We forget he’s still so young and hasn’t played a lot of rugby but every single time he plays he always catches the eye.

"I love his attitude; he looks like someone who just really enjoys playing his rugby. Every sportsman and woman understands that being able to do what they do in the midst of a pandemic is a real privilege.

"I think he shows that by the way in which he plays and forever has a smile on his face which is great for everyone to watch. When he’s got the ball in his hands he’s more than likely going to do something with it.

"I think he’s an international in waiting. He looks like quite a special talent. He’s got to make that transition into being a fully-fledged hooker if that’s where he sees his long-term future."

Unfortunately, Barbeary is currently looking down the barrel of three months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery recently. He will be welcomed back, however, when his fitness allows.