Italy's Menoncello named player of Six Nations
Written by I Dig SportsItaly centre Tommaso Menoncello has been named player of the championship for this year's men's Six Nations.
The 21-year-old becomes the youngest winner in the award's history and only the second Italian winner, after Andrea Masi in 2011.
He beat England number eight Ben Earl, Ireland centre Bundee Aki and Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe to the award.
"Winning this award is testament to the achievements of the entire Italy team," Menoncello said.
"A sign of the exciting journey we are taking with Italian rugby.
"We play an incredible but tough sport, and awards that recognise the commitment and sacrifice of each player means a lot."
Menoncello, who became the youngest ever men's Six Nations try-scorer in 2022, was a key player in Italy's best championship this year, which included a draw against France before wins over Scotland and Wales.
Ireland retained their title last month, with England top of the Women's Six Nations table after two rounds of games.
France scrum-half Antoine Dupont had been player of the championship in three of the previous four years, but missed the 2024 Six Nations to join France's Sevens programme in preparation for the Paris Olympics.