Williams was Six Nations best

Williams was Six Nations best
19/03/2008 18:52 - (SA)


London - Wales winger Shane Williams was named the Six Nations' player of the tournament on Wednesday after helping his country to just its second Grand Slam in 30 years.

Williams headed a shortlist that included teammates Ryan Jones and Mike Phillips after scoring six tries in Wales' five matches, including one in last week's title-clinching win over France.

His efforts made him Wales' all-time leading try scorer with 41 and earned him 55% of the 19 000 votes cast by fans in an online poll.

"This year's RBS Six Nations has been a special championship for me and for all the boys for lots of reasons - beyond our wildest dreams really - and this is just the icing on the cake," Williams said.

Italy No 8 Sergio Parisse finished second and Jones was third, with Scotland captain Mike Blair and France winger Vincent Clerc the other names on a six-man shortlist chosen by a panel of former internationals.

Jason Leonard, Keith Wood, David Sole, Ieuan Evans, Philippe St Andre and Alessandro Moscardi each made three recommendations in order and these were combined to create the shortlist.

"It is an even greater honour to know that it came from a combination of former players' nominations and fans' votes," Williams said.

Wonder if his Dad had a bet on this too? :P