Saints hooker Dylan Hartley wins Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month
New Zealand born Northampton Saints hooker, Dylan Hartley, has been awarded the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month. The announcement was made May 10th, after a panel comprising of media representatives covering the sport including writers,
broadcasters and photographers voted on the winner.
Paul Morgan chaired the panel and announced Dylan Hartley as the winner for the month of April.
Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder retained Hartley as the captain of the squad at the start of the season. This was a tough call because the Saints hooker was under performing before the Premiership kicked off.
Morgan has appreciated Mallinder’s decision to keep Hartley as a skipper. Hartley has led the Saints impressively in both the domestic and Europeans seasons and has inspired his team. This has translated into the Saints qualifying for the Heineken Cup final
and has already reached the Aviva play-offs.
Commenting on Hartley’s excellent abilities and characteristics, Morgan said, “He's passionate, hugely motivated and has had his best season for Northampton this year."
25 year-old started his professional rugby career in 2003 as he signed a two-year contract with the Worcester. He made 49 appearances for Worcester and scored 25 points for them.
Later in 2005, Hartley joined the Northampton Saints and ever since, he remained then has remained at Franklin Gardens. His effective performances in the domestic season have helped him to earn a call to Martin Johnson's elite player squad in 2008.
Saints hooker made his England national rugby union debut against the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham in November 2008. In 2009, Hartley played his inaugural test in Five/Six Nations. He has represented England in 28 test matches so far.
Jim Mallinder appraised Dylan’s attribute and termed the award recognition of his exceptional performance, particularly during the month of the April. He further added, "Throughout that time Dylan's motivation and leadership of the rest of the squad helped
us get some good results, and his own performances on the field set a good example for the players to follow."
Saints captain expressed utter surprise at winning the award and attributed it to the team’s performance. He said, "It's a surprise, I've never won an award in my life! If you look at any individual who wins an award it's on the back of a team performance.”
His strong performance during the Aviva Premiership also makes him a strong contender as first choice hooker for England squad in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
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