Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale named Six Nations player of the championship

Iain Henderson presented Jacob Stockdale with Six Nations player of the championship award on Friday

Ireland wing Jacob Stockdale has been named Six Nations player of the championship.

The 21-year-old Ulsterman scored a Six Nations record seven tries as Ireland won their first Grand Slam since 2009.

Stockdale took 32 per cent of the public vote, well clear of his team-mate Conor Murray in second, while fellow Ireland players Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls finished third and fourth respectively.

More than 78,000 votes were cast on a six-player shortlist, with Italy full-back Matteo Minozzi taking fifth and France captain Guilhem Guirado sixth.

Stockdale, who only made his Test debut last summer, claimed try doubles in Ireland's victories over Italy, Wales and Scotland, and then added another touchdown during the Grand Slam-clinching triumph against England on St Patrick's Day.

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Image: Stockdale won a Grand Slam in his debut Six Nations

He joins previous Irish winners Brian O'Driscoll, who won it a record three times, Paul O'Connell, Tommy Bowe and Gordon D'Arcy.

"It has been a truly memorable few weeks, making my first Six Nations appearance, winning the championship and then going on to complete the Grand Slam against England," said Stockdale.

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"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."

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