Vernier voted best in women’s Six Nations

France centre Gabrielle Vernier was named the Women's Six Nations player of the championship.

The 25-year-old received almost half of the fan vote, beating England's Marlie Packer, below, and Holly Aitchison and Wales' rising star Sisilia Tuipulotu.

Vernier played every minute of the tournament, scoring five tries and providing two assists.

She said the award was a “huge honour” which belonged to all of her French team-mates. where in that backline, years of teaching. She's a Ireland.

“I would like to congratulate all the other players named on the shortlist, and there are many more names that could have been added,” Vernier said.

Nine England players, who won a fifth consecutive title in a Grand Slam decider against France at Twickenham, have been named in the team of the tournament.

Red Roses captain and leading try scorer Packer is included, along with Abby Dow whose solo effort against Wales was voted try of the championship. Tuipulotu, who made her first Six Nations start this year, is the only Welsh player to be included. The 19-year-old won back-to-back player of the match awards against Ireland and Scotland and scored four tries.

Full-back Chloe Rollie and hooker Lana Skeldon make up Scotland's representation, while no Irish players feature after a winless campaign.