Eight Irish named on Six Nation team, as Bundee Aki misses out on top award

Ireland lead the way with eight players named on the official Six Nations team of the championship, with Bundee Aki losing out to Italy centre Tommaso Menoncello in the player of the tournament category.

The 21-year-old also saw off competition from England flanker Ben Earl and Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe for the individual award, after winning 33% of the votes cast by 146,000 rugby fans.

Menoncello was at the heart of Italy's most successful Six Nations campaign, as they secured wins over Scotland and Wales alongside a draw in France, forging an impressive partnership with Ignacio Brex.

"This is a huge surprise and honour to be named the Six Nations Player of The Championship. It is truly special to represent my country, and to wear the Italy jersey alongside my friends and teammates," Menoncello said.

"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."

He was also named in the Team of the Championship, along with Italy captain Michele Lamaro, in a side dominated by Six Nations winners Ireland. France and Scotland had two players included, with one from England.

The Irish represeantation on the XV are: Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Jamison Gibson-Park, Caelan Doris, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter.

2024 Six Nations Team of the Championship: Thomas Ramos (France); Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Tommaso Menoncello (Italy), James Lowe (Ireland); Finn Russell (Scotland), Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); Andrew Porter (Ireland), Dan Sheehan (Ireland), Uini Atonio (France); Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Joe