IRISHMEN PETER LYDON and Declan Cusack have been nominated for the February player of the month award in the English Championship.
22-year-old Lydon picked up his nomination on the back of a string of impressive performances for promotion hopefuls London Scottish, including a 15-point, man-of-the-match performance in the club’s 35-3 win over Moseley just over two weeks ago.
Lydon in action at Stade Français last season. Source: James Crombie/INPHO
The former Kilkenny College student played at out-half for London Scottish in that victory, having worn the 15 shirt in his 15 other Championship starts this season.
Lydon joined the London club from Stade Français last summer, having made seven first-team appearances in a season with the French club, including one Top 14 outing against Castres.
The former Leinster U20 player had previously played his club rugby in Ireland at Seapoint RFC, where his impressive performances saw him come to the attention of Stade Français.
Lydon has scored five tries for London Scottish – where he plays alongside former Ireland back row Neil Best – this season, as well as kicking 32 conversions and 18 penalties.
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Meanwhile, ex-Munster out-half Cusack has also been nominated for the February award after helping relegation-threatened Plymouth Albion to a vital win over Jersey last month, as well as kicking all their points in a 12-12 draw with London Scottish.
Cusack in Munster colours in 2012. Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO
26-year-old Cusack racked up five senior appearances for Munster before leaving the province in 2012 for a brief stint with Spanish club Gernika.
The Limerick man joined up with Plymouth in 2013, going on to become an important part of the Championship set up. This season has seen Cusack make eight starts, with his place-kicking proving to be a crucial source of points.
Former St. Nessan’s student Cusack previously played his club rugby in Ireland with Thomond RFC, as well as lining out for Garryowen during his time with Munster.
Also currently on the books at Albion are Irishmen Ruairi Cushion, Eoghan Grace, Ben Woods.
You can vote for Lydon or Cusack by following this link. Voting closes at midnight on Wednesday March 11 and the winner will be announced on Friday March 13.
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