Kyle Tonetti has claimed the Players award for January

The exclusive award is presented in association with Hartmanns Jewelers and Tag Heuer watches and is presented to players who have displayed exceptional leadership and ability both on and off the field over the course of the month.

Speaking about the award Team Manager Tim Allnutt said:

“When we looked back over the matches in January Kyle has consistently produced strong performances. Against Leinster, Toulouse and Harlequins he worked very hard in both attack and defence so he is very deserving of the award. He also maintains a very high standard of training and has shown a high level of skill in everything he does.”

Tonetti has been ever-present in the squad since he arrived at Connacht last November from the Sale Sharks. The physical 24 year old has shown his versatility and ability to adapt featuring at both inside and outside centre as well as on the wing this season.

Kyle was delighted to be chosen as January’s Player of the Month saying:

“It’s an absolute privilege to get this award, it’s been a massive couple of months with the inter-pro against Leinster and the Heineken Cup matches so to be singled out is a huge honour and now I’m looking forward to finishing out the season as strong as possible, starting with a tough home match this weekend against Edinburgh”

Richard Hartmann of Hartmann Jewellers said “We are delighted for Kyle to have won the January player of the month. It was a great month for all Connacht supporters with the win against Harlequins and we look forward to continuing this sponsorship for the rest of the season and celebrating many more great performances.”

Connacht are back in action this Friday night as they welcome Edinburgh to the Sportsground and as the match is not being televised supporters are reminded that the only way to see former Connacht coach Michael Bradley’s Edinburgh side this weekend is to get down to the Sportsground on Friday night.

(above right) Kyle Tonetti with his award and (below) Richard Hartmann presents Kyle with the Player of the Month award outside the Williams Street Jewellers.