Nick Evans' blossoming relationship with scrum half Danny Care can have Harlequins dreaming of a top four Premiership finish.

The 35-year-old's stunning start to the new season was recognised when he was named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for October.

The former All Black helped his side into the Aviva Premiership Rugby top four with a series of controlled performances and 63 points in the month - including 28 at Bath last weekend.

BT Sport analyst Austin Healey, the former England scrum-half believes Evans – who converted 10 consecutive kicks in October – has benefitted from the late start to the season.

"What an amazing start to the season our Aviva Premiership rUgby player of the month has had,” said Healey.

"The long off-season has obviously paid dividends for Nick Evans and the Harlequins team.

"Nick has always been central to everything good that comes out of the Twickenham Stoop. He has an all-round game which is the envy of many 10s.

"But after a long off-season his running, decision-making and the ability to break has been back to his best.

"In particular, his goalkicking has enabled Quins to build upon their attacking game.

"If he can stay fit and his partnership with Danny Care can flourish you could well expect to see Harlequins in the top four this season.”

Evans beat an impressive shortlist of Don Armand (Exeter Chiefs), and Nathan Hughes (Wasps) to win the first monthly award of the season.