Rugby: Wales backrow Dan Lydiate has been named Six Nations Player of the Tournament ahead of Ireland outhalf Jonathan Sexton. The 23-year-old produced a number of eye-catching displays as Wales brushed aside their rivals to claim the Grand Slam.
Lydiate beat off competition from fellow countrymen Sam Warburton, Alex Cuthbert and Mike Philips for the top honour. Julien Malzieu, Yoann Maestri, Imanol Harinordoquy, David Denton, Ross Rennie, Sergio Parisse, Sexton and Donnacha Ryan were also in the running - with no players from England making the 12-man shortlist.
More than 30,000 votes were cast by fans, with Lydiate receiving more than 25 per cent of the votes - with Sexton and Italy captain Parisse finishing second and third respectively. Lydiate said: "I am really surprised to be honest. I am genuinely chuffed to bits.
"It tops off an amazing competition for me and for Wales. To be part of such a talented Wales team and win the Grand Slam in Cardiff on Saturday was incredible in itself but to then be voted Player of the Championship is absolutely unbelievable. It is a massive honour to win, especially given the quality of the other players up for the award. Thanks to everyone who voted for me, it means a lot."
