Maro Itoje has been crowned Aviva Premiership Player of the Month for his performances in December.

Itoje, 21, has been a key player for Saracens who are still unbeaten this season. His performances across the back-row and in the locks saw him pip Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell and Thomas Waldrom to the award.

"This month's Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month has shown a maturity on the field way beyond his years all season," said BT Sport analyst Austin Healey. "But it is not just his temperament that makes Maro Itoje stand out as a definite England second row of the future - he possesses great physical attributes and more importantly amazing technique.

"When carrying his hands and timing are excellent, when tackling he is strong and rarely misses, but for me it is at the breakdown where he is best. He has good special awareness in the rucks and often finds a way to bounce to his feet and stay deep in the ruck, therefore using his feet to disrupt possession.

"He will play for England, the big question is will he be Eddie Jones' captain?"