Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello named Six Nations Player of Tournament

Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello has been named the Six Nations Player of the Championship following his impressive performances in the competition.

In the process he became the youngest player in the men's championship to win the award and the second Italy player after Andrea Masi in 2011.

The 21-year-old won 33% of the total 146,000 fans voted beating his fellow nominees in Ireland’s Bundee Aki, England’s Ben Earl and Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe.

“It is truly special to represent my country,” Menoncello said.

“To wear the Italy jersey alongside my friends and teammates. To then deliver performances that hopefully inspired the fans is what dreams are made of.

"Winning this award is testament to the achievements of the entire Italy team, and a sign of the exciting journey we are taking with Italian rugby.

“I would like to thank all my teammates, coaches, and the passionate fans. I would also like to congratulate all the other nominees for this award. We play an incredible but tough sport, and awards that recognise the commitment and sacrifice of each player means a lot.”