Red Roses selected in Six Nations' Team of the Championship
After a stellar campaign where the Red Roses beat France 43-42 and won the Grand Slam for the third consecutive year, four England players have been named in the Team of the Championship.
Following a fan vote that saw over 12,000 votes cast, Sarah bern, Abbie Ward, Megan Jones and Abby Dow were among the players to make the final 15. The TOC is made up of players from England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy.
Team of the Championship
1. Silvia Turani (Italy)
2. Neve Jones (Ireland)
3. Sarah Bern (England)
4. Abbie Ward (England)
5. Manae Feleu (France)
6. Aoife Wafer (Ireland)
7. Evie Gallagher (Scotland)
8. Teani Feleu (France)
9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France)
10. Helen Nelson (Scotland)
11. Aura Muzzo (Italy)
12. Aoife Dalton (Ireland)
13. Megan Jones (England)
14. Abby Dow (England)
15. Morgane Bourgeois (France)
Sarah Bern
The prop has had a successful campaign, scoring three tries and playing in all five Six Nations games. The first try was against Wales after a well-executed set piece set her up to score, while the other two came against Ireland; one from close range and the other a 10-metre sprint to claim her brace.
Abbie Ward
Ward's continuous formidable defence was relentless throughout the whole campaign, most notably her try-saving tackles against Ireland. The lock also adds a try to her achievements. Taking advantage of an error in a Scottish line out, Ward powered over from close range to score the fifth try of the game.
Megan Jones
Jones' attack was nothing short of world-class, scoring two tries of epic speed and multiple assists. Her first try came against Wales at the Principality Stadium, sprinting half the pitch while handing off three defenders.
Her second was against Scotland and came from great teamwork from the backs. Ellie Kildunne and Dow out ran two defenders before offloading to Jones to score. The centre also set up Bern to score against Scotland and Claudia MacDonald against France.
Abby Dow
Dow had an excellent campaign, ending it as the top try scorer having crossed the white wash a staggering six times. The winger scored two tries in three games; her first brace against Wales, then Scotland and France. One of her best tries was against Scotland when Kildunne offloaded on the right blindside. Dow sprinted 50 metres while handing off three defenders to score an outstanding try.
Player of the Championship nominees
Voting is open for player OTC until 6 May.
- Aoife Wafer - IRELAND
- Manae Feleu - FRANCE
- Evie Gallagher - SCOTLAND
- Abby Dow - ENGLAND
Dow not only finished the Six Nations as top try scorer, but is also top for the most metres carried (608.8) and metres gained (452.9). She also had 12 line breaks, three more than any other player in the tournament.
