Italy Tommaso Menoncello has been
voted player of the 2024 Six Nations after his sterling efforts
helped the Azzurri register their best ever showing in the
tournament with two wins, at home to Scotland and away to Wales,
and a draw in France.
The 21-year-old took 33% of the 146,000 fan votes to see off
competition from England loose forward Ben Earl, Ireland centre
Bundee Aki, and Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe and become
the youngest winner in the award's history.
It is another honour for Italy after fullback Lorenzi Pani's
sensational score in the 24-21 win against Wales was voted try
of the championship.
"This is a huge surprise and honour to be named the Guinness
Men's Six Nations Player of The Championship," Benetton
Treviso's Menoncello told the Six Nations website.
"It is truly special to represent my country, and 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."
He is the second Italian to win the award after Andrea Masi took
it in 2011.
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