France’s Damian Penaud voted Player of the Series

The 26-year-old has played a central role in France’s unbeaten 2022 and receives the award ahead of New Zealand’s Ardie Savea and Italy sensation Ange Capuozzo.

The shortlist was compiled by a panel of journalists from each nation and pundits from across the home nations helped whittle the list down to three final candidates before the public plumped for Penaud.

The French speedster enjoyed yet another stellar Autumn Nations Series campaign after his sensational performances last year.

France won all three matches for the second consecutive year, taking their winning streak to 13, and Penaud was at his very best for Fabien Galthié’s side.

With his team trailing late on against Australia, Penaud burst through a tackle to score a decisive match-winner in Les Bleus’ opening 30-29 win over the Wallabies, before starting the 30-26 win over South Africa in Round 2.

He then entered the top 10 all-time French try scorers list after bagging a double against Japan in a 35-17 win to round off France’s Autumn Nations Series in style.

With 21 tries in just 37 Tests, Penaud now sits just 17 tries behind all-time top scorer Serge Blanco, who scored 38 tries in 93 Tests.