STRONG performances in three Edinburgh Rugby matches has led to county ace Ben Muncaster being named the club’s Scottish Building Society Player of the Month.

The combative ball carrier and former Scotland under-20 captain has excelled for Edinburgh Rugby, starring in matches against Glasgow Warriors, Cell C Sharks and Emirates Lions.

The former North Berwick man went toe-to-toe with Springbok World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi in Durban and came out on top, putting in a mammoth performance that saw Muncaster’s strong carrying and workrate on full display.

The versatile back-rower also put in an all-action performance against Glasgow in the first leg of the 1872 Cup, carrying 15 times, hitting 14 rucks, while completing all of his 12 tackle attempts.

On picking up the award, the 20-year-old said: “It has been an amazing month, making my first 1872 Cup appearance and featuring on the South Africa trip was absolutely amazing.

“It’s been great to get a run of games in the team – you can build momentum on your own performances, which I feel like I’ve been able to do.”

READ MORE: North Berwick teen signs for Edinburgh Rugby

Sponsored and backed by Scottish Building Society, the initiative sees Edinburgh’s main club partner donate £500 to Muncaster’s charity of choice, the Christian Hobbs Gym.

“It’s a great cause: a very good friend of mine’s brother died on Boxing Day in 2017,” said Muncaster.

“He was a boxer, his main passion was boxing, and they’re raising funds to build a gym in his honour.

“So every donation is greatly appreciated, they go a long, long way.”

READ MORE: Captain's role is 'absolute honour' for rugby star Ben Muncaster

Mike Blair, Edinburgh Rugby head coach, was delighted with Muncaster, who joined the Capital club having been part of the Leicester Tigers academy set-up from the age of 14.

He said: “He has seized his opportunity and been a key member of the side, and is a worthy winner of Player of the Month. Ben is such a big character, he brings so much energy around training and it has been great to see him translate that liveliness into a string of strong performances on the pitch.”

Paul Denton, chief executive officer for Scottish Building Society, added: “Ben Muncaster is a very worthwhile winner for his strong performances against Glasgow, Sharks and Lions.

“As we reach the business end of the season, it is great to see young players like Ben really pushing on and helping the team with top performances, including his role in what was an historic win against the Cell C Sharks in Durban.

“We have recognised Ben’s achievements on the pitch with a donation to his preferred charity of the Christian Hobbs Gym, which we know is a hugely important charity to Ben and one that’s very close to his heart.

“We hope our donation helps them continue their excellent work.”