Following a string of excellent performances for London Irish in January, Benhard van Rensburg was voted Player of the Month by a panel of media professionals alongside a public poll.

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The 26-year-old helped Irish surge into seventh place in the Premiership table in January, just two points behind a semi-final spot, with wins over Harlequins and Bristol Bears.

Response delivered ✅@londonirish claw back into this match in Round 15 through Benhard Janse van Rensburg ☘️

Tune in now on PRTV 💻#GallagherPrem | #LIRvBRI pic.twitter.com/aMn2PqremU

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) January 8, 2023

“London Irish always play a brilliant brand of rugby and I think while they’ve got some electric players in Ollie Hassell-Collins, Ben Loader and Ben White, one of the pillars of their game is dependent on Van Rensburg,” former England international Ugo Monye said.

“He’s such a focal point in attack, incredibly strong in defence and just a consistently brilliant player for Irish – it’s helped them hugely this month and hence why he’s won this award.”

Van Rensburg becomes the second South African to win a Player of the Month award this season, following Sale Sharks flyhalf Robert du Preez, who won the award for his performances in December 2022.

As part of his prize, Van Rensburg wins a shirt signed by the whole London Irish squad and framed by Gallagher to gift to a charity of his choice, to help raise money for its chosen cause.

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