Saracens No. 8 Ernst Joubert

Ernst Joubert has been voted the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month. The Saracens number 8 was picked for February by a panel made up of rugby media representatives from print, TV, radio and the photographers.

Rugby World editor Paul Morgan, who chairs the panel, commented: “Ernst is the engine room of the Saracens effort that has seen them move to the verge of qualifying for the Aviva Premiership Rugby play-offs. He seems to cover every blade of grass on the pitch and has made a huge contribution since arriving at the club.”

Ernst, who is one of Saracens natural leaders on the pitch, is one of the stand-out performers in Aviva Premiership Rugby so far. Rugby is in the blood of this powerful number 8, whose grandfather, Piet Malan, played for South Africa in 1949; an achievement Joubert will aim to emulate.

Speaking about being named February’s Player of the Month: “It’s a great achievement. Luckily the team has been playing very well and our wolf-pack have been doing the hard work and making it easier for a guy like me to perform well.”

Saracens First Team Coach, Mark McCall said: “We’ve played well recently and picked up some good wins. I think we are getting to the level where we were last year and our defence has been superb. The guys have got faith in each other and the confidence is growing.”

Heather Smith, Head of Sponsorship for Premiership Rugby sponsors Aviva added: “Ernst has been instrumental in Saracens launching their title assault and it is no coincidence that his impressive performances have coincided with his team’s winning run.”