Billy Vunipola rewarded for impressive displays for Wasps

Billy Vunipola: Has been in fine form for Wasps

In-form Wasps No 8 Billy Vunipola has been named as the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month.

The 20-year-old, who only missed out on the England squad to face Scotland after being troubled by an ankle injury, has been rewarded for a series of impressive displays in December.

Vunipola, who has made 18 appearances for Wasps, follows club-mate Joe Launchbury, Gloucester's Freddie Burns and and Northampton Dylan Hartley in winning the accolade this season.

Aviva Ambassador Will Greenwood said: "Billy Vunipola is a big mover in more ways than one. The Wasps No 8 is a young lad whose error count last season was too high and his fitness not good enough.

"Now he looks like a man, and a big, big one at that. He is an outstanding ball carrier, and he has great hands. His discipline has improved enormously and he has remained very explosive, in a good way. He is not super fit yet, but looking like someone you would consider at international level which has been rewarded by the Saxons berth.

"The No 8 slot is not nailed down for England despite Ben Morgan putting in a strong game against New Zealand. Billy is still in this and with performances like he put in December will only ensure he steps closer to England - and even a berth on the Lions."