Steve Borthwick’s interest could be piqued as breakthrough English centre scoops PREM award for second time
Credit: David Wild Photography. Steve Borthwick's interest could be piqued as breakthrough English centre scoops PREM award for second time
Leicester Tigers centre Will Wand has been voted Gallagher Player of the Month for the second time this season, beating off competition from the likes of Ollie Chessum, Josh Iosefa-Scott and Olly Hartley.
The 24-year-old wins May’s award just two months after being crowned with the same gong for March. This time, he won with 34.4% of the votes, narrowly ahead of teammate Chessum, who finished on 27.6%.
The former Coventry centre is quickly becoming one of the most consistent players in the league. His impact on Leicester’s recent form has been evident, with the Tigers scoring 88 points and 13 tries across consecutive victories over Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks in Rounds 15 and 16.
Since arriving at the club in 2024, Wand has made the number 13 shirt his own, scoring 20 tries in just 38 appearances. His centre partnership with former Bath playmaker Orlando Bailey is fast becoming one of the most cohesive in the league, and will certainly have piqued the interest of England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Although neither Wand nor Bailey were included in England’s recent training squad, there’s still a very real possibility that a call-up for the upcoming Nations Championship could be on the cards.
“A significant impact this season”
Nick Harris, CEO of Gallagher’s insurance broking business, said: “Having made his senior club debut in Round 3 of the 24/25 Gallagher PREM campaign, Will has gone on to make a significant impact this season, scoring 13 tries in 27 appearances so far. Securing a second Gallagher Player of the Month award this season is a fantastic achievement, and one no other player has matched in this campaign. We wish him all the best for the remaining fixtures.”
The shortlist was voted for by a panel of media professionals.
The judges for the 2025/26 Gallagher PREM season are: Jill Douglas (ITV, BBC), Ali Eykyn (TNT Sports), Hugh Godwin (The i Paper), Chris Jones (BBC), Alex Lowe (The Times), Ugo Monye (BBC, TNT Sports), Nick Mullins (TNT Sports), Charles Richardson (Telegraph), and Claire Thomas (BBC, TNT Sports).