Newcastle Falcons’ homegrown back-rower Guy Pepper is amongst the nominees for the Gallagher Premiership player of the month for January.

Pepper has been formidable in defence this season and last month set a joint-Premiership record for tackles made in a match, reaching a staggering 34 against Saracens.

The 20-year-old also recorded the most tackles in Round 12, with 23 made against Northampton Saints.

Pepper is one of four nominees with Exeter Chiefs’ Immanuel Fey-Waboso and Northampton Saints duo Fin Smith and Ollie Sleightholme also nominated for the award.

Supporters can vote for Guy Pepper by visiting the poll HERE, which closes on Friday at 11am.