WORCESTER Warriors flanker Mike Williams has been shortlisted for the inaugural Greene King IPA Championship player-of-the-month award.

The Bulawayo-born forward was stretchered from the field after a clash of heads in the early stages of Warriors’ 55-16 win against Nottingham at the weekend.

The 22-year-old was back at Sixways yesterday after being taken to hospital after Saturday’s match and then discharged soon afterwards.

The impressive Williams has been recognised by a pan - el of regional and national journalists covering all 12 Championship clubs.

Williams, who was brought up in Zimbabwe, has starred for Warriors in the opening few weeks of the new season and scored his maiden try for the club at Bristol on the opening weekend.

He also gave strong displays for Warriors in the wins against Moseley and Doncaster Knights.

Williams, a strong ball-carrier, made 25 appearances for Warriors last term after moving from Vodacom Super Rugby franchise the Blue Bulls, where he had been playing for the club’s acad - emy side.

Due to an ancestry visa via his late grandfather on his mother’s side, Williams is an English-qualified player.

Bristol’s Matthew Morgan, Doncaster Knights’ Dougie Flockhart, London Scottish’s Mark Bright and Jersey’s Tommy Bell have also been nominated.

The winner of the award will be named player-of-the- month and receive a Greene King IPA magnum.

Warriors supporters can place their vote for Williams by visiting EnglandRugby.

com.

Voting closes at midnight on Thursday and the winner will be announced on Friday this week