December award for Burke
Matt Burke and Ian McGeechan have picked up December's Player and Coach awards.
Newcastle Falcons full back Matt Burke has been named Guinness Premiership Player of the Month for December, whilst Wasps director Ian McGeechan picked up the coaching award.
Burke was the leading light in Newcastle's fine Christmas period, which saw them go six matches unbeaten.
A man-of-the-match display in the 21-15 victory over Worcester Warriors was typical of the Australian's form during December, and Sky Sports expert and voting panel chairman Miles Harrison confirmed Burke had caught the eye.
"There were some outstanding candidates for the Guinness Premiership player of the month for December, including the Bristol scrum-half Shaun Perry and the Gloucester fly-half Ludovic Mercier.
"But the voting just went in favour of the Newcastle full-back Matt Burke who was outstanding for the Falcons in their wins over Christmas and the New Year.
"Matt has been a wonderfully professional and talented addition to the league."
Meanwhile, Harrison revealed that McGeechan's award came as a result of Wasps' recovery from their painful Heineken Cup defeat to Llanelli Scarlets.
"After a difficult period in Europe, the English champions used December to affirm their challenge to win a fourth domestic title in a row.
"Two bonus point victories in the Guinness Premiership over the Christmas period for Ian McGeechan's side has seen them start the New Year in another strong position. London Wasps have a clear ambition again."
