Williams takes Six Nations gong
March 19 2008
Shane Williams has been voted player of the Six nations by the public, winning 55 per cent of the vote on the RBS Six Nations website.
Williams, whose try against France that set Wales on their way to the Grand Slam on Saturday meant he became Wales' top tryscorer of all time, was understandably delighted to win the award.
"I am just thrilled. Being named the Player of the Championship is a fantastic end to what has already been a phenomenal week," he said.
"This year's 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.
"It is an even greater honour to know that it came from a combination of former players' nominations and fans' votes, whose support throughout this year's Championship has been sensational."
The vote was cast on a shortlist of six, which was drawn up by a panel comprising former internationals Jason Leonard, Keith Wood, David Sole, Ieuan Evans, Philippe St Andre and Alessandro Moscardi.
Mike Blair, Vincent Clerc, Ryan Jones, Sergio Parisse, Mike Phillips and Shane Williams were the short-listed players.
Over 19,000 votes were received in the online poll and Williams was the clear leader earning over 55 per cent of the public vote. Sergio Parisse was ranked in second place with 14 per cent. Welsh captain Ryan Jones finished third.