Healey hails No.8's impact

By Mark Stevens

Austin Healey insists Thomas Waldrom has been an “integral part” of Exeter Chiefs’ success this season in the Aviva Premiership.

The summer signing from Leicester Tigers has helped himself to seven tries in nine league starts and was today crowned the league’s Player of the Month for November following a string of eye-catching displays.

The 31-year-old England international became only the second Chief to collect the monthly accolade - the other was Tom Hayes during Exeter’s inaugural season in the top flight - but BT Sport pundit Healey feels the talented No.8 was the obvious choice.

“Thomas has been playing with a giant smile on his face since arriving at Sandy Park,” said Healey.  “The freedom that Rob Baxter and his team have given their No. 8 has enabled him to break free of the shackles and express himself. His carrying ability sees him top of the average metres per carry charts and try-scoring list.”

Waldrom beat an impressive shortlist of Sale Sharks skipper Dan Braid and Bath Rugby centre Jonathan Joseph to the prize.

Fans can get involved and vote for their Aviva Premiership Player of the Month for December by visiting www.aviva.co.uk/10thjudge from noon on Monday,  December 29. Each month, one lucky fan who votes will be selected at random and win four tickets to an Aviva Premiership Rugby game of their choice!

Healey added: “Thomas’ try-scoring ability is amazing for a forward mainly due to how well he reads the game and seizes his opportunities. He has been an integral part of the Chiefs’ success thus far this season and could be one of the key deciders in whether Exeter go all the way to Twickenham on May 30 for the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final.”

Alongside hundreds of fans Waldrom was voted for by a panel of media professionals – Nick Mullins (BT Sport), Alastair Eykyn (BT Sport), Mick Cleary (Daily Telegraph), Steve James (Sunday Telegraph), Sarah Mockford (Rugby World), Jill Douglas (ITV Sport), Chris Jones (Radio 5 Live), David Rogers (Getty Images) and Ben Coles (Planet Rugby). The panel was chaired by Paul Morgan Premiership Rugby's Communications Director.

Waldrom wins a trophy and £250 which he is donating to the Rays of Sunshine charity of his choice.

Winners in the 2014-15 season

September – Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby)
October - Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby)
November – Thomas Waldrom (Exeter Chiefs)