Freddie Burns has been named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for November.
“The strut is back,” said former Tigers and England centre and now Aviva ambassador Will Greenwood. “He has shown a wonderful kicking game and is playing right on the gain line, fizzing passes.”
But it is Burns’ defensive work that has impressed Greenwood the most as he added: “His starting position was questioned earlier in the season and he has responded, bossing proceedings.
“Perhaps the real giveaway to him winning this award is his form in defence. One cover tackle away at Bristol Rugby in his bottom right hand corner tells you he is watching, locked and loaded for action on both sides of the ball, attack and defence.”
Burns was involved in a four-way battle for this month’s title, eventually beating Bath Rugby flyer Semesa Rokoduguni, Exeter Chiefs’ No. 8 Thomas Waldrom and Gloucester Rugby hooker Richard Hibbard to the title.
Burns said: "“It’s a good balance at the minute – the forward pack are going well and the back-line are giving me plenty of support.
“As a No.10 you’re only as good as the guys around you and they’re giving me a platform to perform."
He added: "I’m just happy to have been able to step up and take a leadership role in the team, guiding the team around the park and doing what’s right.
Burns was voted for by a panel of media professionals based on his performances in November – Nick Mullins (BT Sport), Alastair Eykyn (BT Sport), Mick Cleary (The Daily Telegraph), Steve James (The Sunday Telegraph), Sarah Mockford (Rugby World), Jonny Fordham (The Sun), Jill Douglas (ITV Sport), Chris Jones (BBC 5 Live), David Rogers (Getty Images) and Ben Coles (Planet Rugby). The panel was chaired by Paul Morgan, Premiership Rugby's communications director.
“The strut is back,” said former Tigers and England centre and now Aviva ambassador Will Greenwood. “He has shown a wonderful kicking game and is playing right on the gain line, fizzing passes.”
But it is Burns’ defensive work that has impressed Greenwood the most as he added: “His starting position was questioned earlier in the season and he has responded, bossing proceedings.
“Perhaps the real giveaway to him winning this award is his form in defence. One cover tackle away at Bristol Rugby in his bottom right hand corner tells you he is watching, locked and loaded for action on both sides of the ball, attack and defence.”
Burns was involved in a four-way battle for this month’s title, eventually beating Bath Rugby flyer Semesa Rokoduguni, Exeter Chiefs’ No. 8 Thomas Waldrom and Gloucester Rugby hooker Richard Hibbard to the title.
Burns said: "“It’s a good balance at the minute – the forward pack are going well and the back-line are giving me plenty of support.
“As a No.10 you’re only as good as the guys around you and they’re giving me a platform to perform."
He added: "I’m just happy to have been able to step up and take a leadership role in the team, guiding the team around the park and doing what’s right.
“Luckily enough we’ve won five games in a row in all competitions. Personal stuff is nice but I would drop it in a heartbeat for the five wins which we have.
The award comes after he was voted the Lumbers Player of the Month by Tigers fans. He received his award at the Aviva Premiership victory over Northampton last weekend.Burns was voted for by a panel of media professionals based on his performances in November – Nick Mullins (BT Sport), Alastair Eykyn (BT Sport), Mick Cleary (The Daily Telegraph), Steve James (The Sunday Telegraph), Sarah Mockford (Rugby World), Jonny Fordham (The Sun), Jill Douglas (ITV Sport), Chris Jones (BBC 5 Live), David Rogers (Getty Images) and Ben Coles (Planet Rugby). The panel was chaired by Paul Morgan, Premiership Rugby's communications director.
