Jacob Stockdale named Six Nations Player of the Championship
- 2001
A memorable 6 Nations campaign for record-breaking winger Jacob Stockdale has got even better after he was named the 2018 Player of the Championship.
The Irish flyer bagged seven tries - a 6 Nations record - as he helped Ireland secure a historic Grand Slam for only the third time in their history.
Stockdale, who scored against England, Italy, Scotland and Wales during this year's Championship, eclipsed the six tries set by Chris Ashton, Will Greenwood and Shane Williams.
The 21-year-old was a clear winner in the public vote, securing 32% of rugby fans' votes. His Ireland teammate Conor Murray was second with 18.2%, just edging fellow Irishman Jonathan Sexton into third on 18%.
Another Ireland winger took fourth place with Keith Earls garnering 14.5% of the votes, followed by Italy's rising star, Matteo Minozzi, who earned 13.2%. France captain Guilhem Guirado completed the line-up with 4.1%.
Stockdale, who only had four caps heading into this year's NatWest 6 Nations, commented: "It's been a truly memorable few weeks, making my first 6 Nations appearance, winning the Championship then going on to complete the Grand Slam against England. Breaking the try-scoring record was the cherry on top! It's an absolute honour to win the NatWest Player of the Championship, especially when you look at the amazing calibre of those shortlisted. Thank you to everyone who voted and for all the fans who gave us so much support throughout the Championship."
Previous Player of the Championship
2017 - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
2016 - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
2015 - Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
2014 - Mike Brown (England)
2013 - Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
2012 - Dan Lydiate (Wales)
2011 - Andrea Masi (Italy)
2010 - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
2009 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2008 - Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2006 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2005 - Martyn Williams (Wales)
2004 - Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland)
2017 - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
2016 - Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
2015 - Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
2014 - Mike Brown (England)
2013 - Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
2012 - Dan Lydiate (Wales)
2011 - Andrea Masi (Italy)
2010 - Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
2009 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2008 - Shane Williams (Wales)
2007 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2006 - Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
2005 - Martyn Williams (Wales)
2004 - Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland)