O'Conor scoops February accolade after impressing for the Blues

The Blues full-back won the title after securing top spot in a public vote, with Doncaster’s Matt Challinor coming in second.

Twenty-year-old O’Conor was nominated in February’s line-up after proving a revelation for the club during their march back to the top-six of the Championship table.

After playing for England in the World Rugby U20 Championship final last June, O’Conor has continued his excellent form to stake a regular claim for the Blues coveted full-back shirt.

Already touching down nine times this season, including against London Welsh, Ealing and more recently in the British & Irish Cup quarter-final against Jersey, his electrifying pace has helped single him for the title of Player of the Month.

Speaking about winning February’s award, O’Conor said: “First of all, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me. It really does mean a lot to have such wonderful support from the fans.

“While I am honoured and delighted to receive this accolade, it is the result of teamwork and I must thank all of the Bedford Blues squad and the coaches for everything that they have done for me since I came through the Goldington Road gates.

“This is a very special club and we have got four massive games left in the league this season. I want to do everything that I can to help Bedford Blues finish as high up the Championship table as possible.”

Over 1,600 supporters voted in February’s Player of the Month competition, which saw Doncaster’s Matt Challinor and Michael Heaney joined by Ealing Trailfinders’ Rhy Crane as nominees.