O'Conor nominated for February award

Piers O'Conor crosses the whitewash for Bedford. Picture (c) of Nigel Rudgard

O’Conor has proven to be a revelation for the Blues during their march back to the top-four of the Championship table.

After playing for England in the World Rugby U20 Championship final last June, O’Conor has kept the likes of club stalwarts James Pritchard and Steffan Jones out of the club’s full-back shirt.

Already touching down seven times this season, including against Ealing Trailfinders at the weekend, his electrifying pace suggests he’ll have plenty more to add to that tally before the campaign concludes.

Riding high in the Championship table following 11 consecutive wins, Doncaster Knights find themselves represented among February’s best with Michael Heaney included in the Player of the Month line-up.

The scrum-half, who started in all three of February’s Championship fixtures, crossed the whitewash during Doncaster’s 26-19 victory over Cornish Pirates.

Heaney is joined by Knights captain Matt Challinor in Doncaster’s second nomination. Ever-present in the Knights engine room, Challinor’s influence has helped his club to an 12-game unbeaten run this season.

Finally, Ealing Trailfinders’ Rhys Crane represents his club’s first nomination for a Player of the Month award, following Ealing’s return to the second tier this season. The former London Welsh wing scored four tries during Ealing’s potentially decisive victory in their relegation battle with Moseley. His monthly tally comes to six tries after crossing against table-toppers Bristol and Doncaster.

To vote for your Player of the month, please visit www.englandrugby.com/champ-potm and be in with a chance of winning a pitch day at Twickenham for you and eight friends.