GEORGE Smith has become the second Wasps player to be named Aviva Premiership’s Player of the Month after picking up the award for February.
Smith enjoyed an incredible month after helping Wasps to an unbeaten four weeks which included a 100-point haul in victories over Saracens and Harlequins which saw Dai Young’s side move into the top three in the Premiership.
Smith was involved in a three-way battle for this month’s title beating Newcastle Falcons’ Andy Goode and his Wasps team mate Dan Robson into the runners-up spots.
Nathan Hughes won the award for November and BT Sport analyst Austin Healy described Smith’s recent performances for Wasps as sensational.
He said: “You have to be truly world-class to achieve these heights at 35. Some things never go with age. Your ability to read situations, make the right decision, commit to a breakdown, not commit to a breakdown and generally feel a game.
“Age aside, George’s performances for Wasps have been nothing short of sensational this year. I genuinely believe Wasps would not have got more quality had they signed Richie McCaw.
“George is high on tackles, high on breakdowns and high on all the stats, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. It’s George Smith’s reading of the game and his link play that could just carry Wasps to a major trophy this season.”
Fans joined a panel of nine judges who all voted for their Player of the Month. Smith wins a trophy and has been given £250 which will be donated to Marie Curie, the UK’s leading charity for people living with any terminal illness and their families.
