Northampton Saints back-row forward Courtney Lawes has been voted as December’s Premiership Player of the Month in a public vote.

The Saints and England legend won 47% of the public vote, beating off Exeter Chiefs star Henry Slade and Bath Rugby duo Finn Russell and Alfie Barbeary to the accolade.

Lawes’ side would finish December with a perfect record of three wins from three in the Premiership-as they downed Saracens, Gloucester and Sale. Lawes would also win Man of the Match in their famous win at the StoneX against the defending champions.

Lawes joins fellow England internationals Ben Spencer and Ollie Lawrence on the list of Player of the Month’s this season, and is also the first non-Bath player to win the accolade this season.

In a statement, Sam Armstrong, Business Development Executive at Gallagher’s Leicester Office, said: “It’s a pleasure to present the trophy to Courtney as he has been influential for Saints since his return from the Rugby World Cup.”

“More recently during the Gallagher Premiership, Saints have shown great performance and drive, starting the New Year at the top of the table with 3 from 3! This year looks like an exciting one for us Saints fans!”