Ollie Chessum one of four Gallagher Player of the Month nominees for May

Rugby News
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at 13:00
Four players have been shortlisted for May’s Gallagher Player of the Month award after two rounds of PREM Rugby in the penultimate month of the season.
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Although another round will take place between the 29th and 31st, those fixtures are expected to count towards June’s award instead, with only one further round scheduled before the play-offs.


Leicester Tigers have two nominees on the shortlist, while Saracens and Exeter Chiefs are also represented.

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)

It is no surprise to see two Leicester players nominated after back-to-back victories over East Midlands rivals Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks.
A dominant forward pack laid the foundation for those wins, with Chessum especially influential. The England international impressed across the park in both matches, combining relentless work rate with imposing physicality.
He was rewarded with an early try against Sale, and his blend of athleticism, energy and size continues to set him apart.
It has been an impressive month for Chessum as Leicester strengthen their push for a home semi-final.

Olly Hartley (Saracens)

Victories over Bristol Bears and Gloucester have moved Saracens to the brink of the play-offs, a scenario that looked unlikely only a few weeks ago.
Hartley has played a key role in that resurgence from midfield, providing defensive solidity while also contributing effectively in attack.
He may not have grabbed the headlines this month, but his consistency and reliability have been vital for Sarries.

Josh Iosefa-Scott (Exeter Chiefs)

For a prop to earn a nomination for this award underlines just how impressive Iosefa-Scott has been, particularly in a position where standout performances can often go unnoticed.
While his scrummaging has remained reliably strong, it has been his contributions around the field that have really caught attention in May.
He delivered an outstanding performance in Exeter’s crucial win over Bath, finishing with both a try and an assist from tighthead prop.
His close-range score showcased power and awareness, but it was his creativity that stole the spotlight.
Near the try line, he produced an audacious no-look pass to send Len Ikitau over for a try, a piece of skill few props would even attempt.
It was an inventive and highly influential display that highlighted both his confidence and expanding skill set.

Will Wand (Leicester Tigers)

Already a winner of this award in March, Wand has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the Prem this season, exceeding expectations with a series of impressive performances.
The centre stood out once again against Northampton and Sale, combining powerful carrying with excellent defensive work.
Like Chessum, he capped his display against Sale with a try, showing great composure to chip ahead, chase his own kick and score under heavy pressure.
Still only 24, the former Coventry player has developed into a top-class centre this season.
To cast your vote for Gallagher Player of the Month, click here:
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).

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