Northampton Saints scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has been named the English Premiership Player of the Month for December 2018.
Reinach hit world-class form last month, scoring two unforgettable tries as the Saints claimed back-to-back victories against the Exeter Chiefs and Worcester Warriors.
?The #GallagherPrem player of the month for December is none other than free-scoring, intercept king and @SaintsRugby number 9 @c_reinach ?
The man couldn’t stop scoring and showed off a clean set of heels on multiple occasions ??
Read more ? https://t.co/7TksrWBk6g pic.twitter.com/hosMWUaF1n
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) January 9, 2019
‘He is the in-form No 9 in Premiership Rugby at the moment and incredibly important to the Northampton Saints,’ said Ugo Monye, the former Harlequins, England and Lions wing, who has seen Reinach close up in his role with BT Sport.
‘He has revitalised them and we know how competitive this league is with everyone being able to beat everyone, but the back-to-back performances against Worcester away and Exeter at home, especially scoring two intercepted tries, were so impressive.
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‘When you get a result against one of the top two teams, it gives you more than just a win – it gives you confidence that you can go toe-to-toe with the very best.
‘If you are able to put on that level of performance, you need your top players and we know how important your No 9 is to do that.
‘For me the impact that Cobus Reinach is having on the team — considering where Northampton were — has been incredible.’
Reinach was involved in a three-way battle to win the award, along with Sale Sharks scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and Harlequins blindside flank Alex Dombrandt.
Winners in the 2018-19 season
December: Cobus Reinach (Northampton Saints)
November: Ollie Thorley (Gloucester)
October: Alex Goode (Saracens)
September: Danny Cipriani (Gloucester)
