Six Nations superstar shortlist
Yesterday at 03:34 PM
NEWS: Four stars of the Six Nations have been shortlisted for the prestigious Player of the Championship award, with the winner set to be decided by a fan vote.
France wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, England back Tommy Freeman, reigning Player of the Championship and Italian centre Tommaso Menoncello, plus Scotland fullback Blair Kinghorn have all been shortlisted for this year's award.
The four players topped the performance statistics charts this year, and were standout performers for their sides, breaking records, scoring tries, contributing essential assists and making critical contributions in each fixture over five unforgettable rounds of Six Nations action.
Fans were charged with having their say to decide the 2025 Team of The Championship, determining who was the best player per position, and shaping the ultimate starting fifteen from this year's Men's Six Nations.
The top-ranked players, based on fan votes, combined with performance statistics, informed the shortlist of nominees for the Six Nations Player of the Championship.
As such, all four nominees for this year's award have already secured their place in the Team of the Championship, and it is now back to the fans to cast their votes to decide who wins the coveted individual accolade.
French wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey emerged as a sensational force throughout the Championship. He finished as the top try-scorer with an impressive eight tries - the most by any player during the Six Nations era, overtaking Ireland's Jacob Stockdale and his seven tries in 2018. His ability not only to cross the try line but also to create opportunities for his teammates—evidenced by four assists—underscores his comprehensive attacking prowess. Bielle-Biarrey's breakout performances captivated rugby fans and led to 90% of Six Nations Fantasy Rugby teams featuring the 21-year-old winger.
England's Tommy Freeman consistently demonstrated his clinical finishing ability by scoring a try in each match of the Championship. His crucial efforts helped England secure a bonus point against Ireland and in narrow victories over France and Scotland, propelling England to a second-place finish in the Championship.
Italian centre Tommaso Menoncello, the 2024 Guinness Men's Six Nations Player of the Championship, will have the chance to defend his title, having been nominated for a second year in a row. In the year that the Championship celebrates its 25th Anniversary since Italy made it the Six Nations in 2000, this nomination could lead to silverware with added significance for the Azzurri. Menoncello is destructive in attack and also a defensive leader in the Championship, leading the way with 59 tackles and securing three breakdown steals – more than any other back. In attack, the powerhouse centre added two tries to his name, including a remarkable score against France, solidifying his reputation as a dual-threat player.
Scotland's Blair Kinghorn has been a standout performer, topping various statistical charts. With 857.9 metres carried, 86 carries, and 13 offloads, Kinghorn's attacking dynamism has been exceptional. Notably, he amassed 574.6 gained metres throughout the Championship, surpassing Mike Brown's 2014 record of 543 metres—the most in a single Six Nations edition. His contributions were instrumental in Scotland's victory over Italy, while his explosive playmaking against Ireland, England, and Wales further cemented his place on the shortlist.
The winner of the Six Nations Player of the Championship will be decided by a public vote, allowing fans to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary talent on display during this year's tournament.
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