Leicester Tigers fly-half Freddie Burns has been named Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for February.
Burns’ win is the third of the season for Tigers after George Ford claimed the prize in October and December of the current campaign.
The 31-year-old finished atop the voting tally with his club mate Julián Montoya in second place and London Irish scrum-half Nick Phipps in third place.
Speaking about the individual accolade, Burns paid tribute to his team-mates.
“It has been great to get game time and contribute to the team performances,” he said.
“As a fly-half, a lot depends on those around you and I feel fortunate to be a part of a great group of players, all striving to do our best for Leicester Tigers.”
Burns last won the award during his first stint in Leicester, in November 2016, and says being back at the club and part of the current squad has been a thrill.
“It is great being back at the club, playing in front of the best supporters in the league and I am looking forward to continuing to contribute this season with my team-mates,” said Burns.
As part of his prize for being named Gallagher Player of the Month, Burns wins a shirt signed by the whole Leicester Tigers squad and framed by Gallagher to gift to a charity of his choice, to help them raise funds for their chosen cause. Burns has chosen to honour MND with his donation and particularly to support the recent fundraising work done by Tigers coach Kevin Sinfield.
Tigers fan, broker and account executive at Gallagher’s Leicester branch Anthony Rostance presented the award to Burns at the club's Oval Park training ground and, after meeting the fly-half, said: “It was an absolute honour and a pleasure to present Freddie Burns with his award as Gallagher Player of the Month."
"What a well deserving winner – as fans we’ve loved having him back at Welford Road, especially on such electrifying form. Well done Freddie!”
Burns was judged by a panel of experts as the player who made the biggest impact in Gallagher Premiership Rugby in February 2022.
Burns was voted for by a panel of media professionals based on his performances in February 2022, alongside a public poll on the Premiership Rugby app, which drew more than 1,000 votes.
The judges were: Nick Mullins (BT Sport), Alastair Eykyn (BT Sport), Gavin Mairs (The Daily Telegraph), Sarah Mockford (Rugby World), Hugh Godwin (I), Andrew Baldock (Press Association), Bobby Bridge (Coventry Telegraph), John Everly (Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle) Jill Douglas (Broadcaster), Craig Swayne (@BallcarrierRugby), Chris Jones (BBC 5 Live), David Rogers (Getty Images) and Tom Hamilton (ESPN). The panel was chaired by Paul Morgan, Premiership Rugby's Communications Director.
