Northampton Saints' Rory Hutchinson was today heralded as one of the country’s brightest young talents after being named Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for February 2019.
The centre hit a hot run of form last month scoring as the Saints consolidated their spot in the Gallagher Premiership Rugby top six and his performances were lauded by former Rugby World Cup winner and BT Sport pundit Nolli Waterman.
"In recent weeks Rory has stood out as Northampton Saints climbed the table."
Nolli Waterman
“There is an impressive crop of young players emerging across Gallagher Premiership Rugby and in recent weeks Rory has stood out as Northampton Saints climbed the table,” said Waterman.
“Rory is a wonderfully balanced runner who has the ability to glide through defences and recently even took over the kicking duties for the Saints. His finishing is not in question with his recent, acrobatic effort against Sale Sharks.”
Hutchinson was presented with his award by Reverend Jez Safford a Gallagher Community Hero for Northampton Saints, and Club Chaplain at the club.
At the start of its first season as the new title partner of Premiership Rugby, Gallagher asked each Premiership club to nominate two people who they feel best demonstrates the values and community commitment within their rugby family. The search resulted in 24 Gallagher Community Heroes, such as Revd Safford.
"Rory’s been outstanding, he has such a positive attitude around the club both on and off the pitch."
Reverand Jez Safford, Club Chaplain
Revd Safford said: “I was delighted to present Rory with his much-deserved Player of the Month award – he’s been outstanding and has such a positive attitude around the club both on and off the pitch, balancing time for others alongside a busy schedule. I’d also like to thank Gallagher for asking me to present the award - I was thrilled when I was asked to be one of the Community Heroes for Northampton Saints.”
Throughout the season, Gallagher, itself a passionate community broker, continues to support and shine a light on the positive work that is being done around the game as part of its ongoing commitment to both the professional game and the broader rugby community.
Hutchinson – as part of his prize for being named Gallagher Premiership Rugby Player of the Month – wins 25 tickets to a future Northampton Saints match to be gifted to a local club, school or community group of his choice.
Hutchinson was judged by a panel of experts as the player who made the biggest impact in Gallagher Premiership Rugby over the month of February.
He was involved in a three-way battle to win the award eventually beating Gloucester Rugby No 8 Ben Morgan and Harlequins full-back Mike Brown to the title.
Hutchinson was voted for by a panel of media professionals based on his performances in November, alongside a public poll which drew almost 2,000 votes on the Premiership Rugby app. The judges were: Nick Mullins (BT Sport), Alastair Eykyn (BT Sport), Mick Cleary (The Daily Telegraph), Sarah Mockford (Rugby World), Jonny Fordham (The Sun), Robert Kitson (The Guardian), 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.