Jacob Stockdale named Six Nations Player of the Championship

Ireland's Jacob Stockdale has been voted the 2018 Six Nations Player of the Championship for his stunning seven-try haul.

The 21-year-old winger won public vote ahead of his Ireland teammates Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton.

Stockdale secured 32% of rugby fans' votes, while Murray was polled second best 18.2% with a slight edge over Sexton who came third 18% votes.

Ireland wing Keith Earls finished fourth with 14.5% of the vote with Italy’s impressive Matteo Minozzi coming fifth with 13.2%.

France captain Guilhem Cuirado completed the list with 4.1%.

On receiving the award, Stockdale said: “It’s been a truly memorable few weeks, making my first Six 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 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.”

Player of the Championship voting results:
Player Votes Percentage
Jacob Stockdale 25,114 32%
Conor Murray 14,278 18.2%
Jonathan Sexton 14,163 18%
Keith Earls 11,410 14.5%
Matteo Minozzi 10,394 13.2%
Guilhem Guirado 3,181 4.1%

Player of the Championship - previous winners:
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)