Four stars shortlisted for Six Nations Player of the Championship after ‘fan vote’

Jared Wright 19 Mar 2024 2:05 PM

Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe, England's Ben Earl, Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello and Ireland's Bundee Aki.

The 2024 Six Nations Player of the Championship shortlist has been revealed, with a representative from England, Ireland, Scotland and Italy making the cut.

The Six Nations confirmed that the quartet were nominated for the individual accolade “having been selected by the highest amount of people in the fan vote for the Guinness Team of the Championship.”

Previously, a panel of experts would narrow down the shortlist with a fan vote to decide the winner, but this year, the decision is entirely in the supporters’ hands.

Shortlist and their stats

England’s Ben Earl enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Red Rose playing all 400 minutes of his side’s Six Nations as Steve Borthwick’s charges claimed third place overall.

Earl made more carries (73) and recorded the most carry metres (419), post-contact metres (127) and defenders beaten (24) of any forward in the Championship.

England’s Ben Earl during the Guinness Six Nations match at Twickenham Stadium, London.

After playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s successive Six Nations title campaign, centre Bundee Aki has also been shortlisted for the Player of the Championship award.

The powerhouse midfielder made 144 metres in contact during the tournament – the most of any player – and made the most carry metres (380) and joint-most line breaks (24).

Quiz: Can you name every Six Nations Player of the Championship winner?

After a stunning hat-trick against England and a brace against Wales, Duhan van der Merwe finished as the joint-top scorer in the 2024 Six Nations along with Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan.

The Scots’ superstar speedster made the most carry metres (355) and beat the most defenders (15) of any Scotland player in this year’s Championship and twice as many line breaks of any of his team-mates (6).

The final player shortlisted is Italy’s Tommaso Menoncello, who enjoyed a breakout campaign, guiding the Azzurri to a fifth-place finish, thanks to wins over Scotland and Wales, and a draw against France.

Menoncello had the highest carry dominance rate (42%) and joint-highest gainline success rate (71%, with team-mate Ross Vintcent) of any Italy player to make 10+ carries this year.

None of the players shortlisted has ever won the award, meaning that a new star will take the mantle for the first time.

You can cast your vote on the official Six Nations website.

Six Nations Team of the Tournament: Ireland and Italy lead the way as one country misses out